Pogacar Wins Monaco Time Trial and Takes First Red Jersey at Vuelta Start

Overview

• The 81st Vuelta began Saturday in Monaco with a short 9–9.4 km individual time trial that Tadej Pogacar won to claim the first leader’s red jersey.
• Pogacar is the clear pre‑race favourite to win the Vuelta and has said he will pace himself over three weeks so he does not jeopardise goals later in the season.
• Race organisers set a very mountainous 21‑stage route that includes a long 32 km individual time trial around Jerez on stage 18 and a decisive penultimate queen stage over Puerto de El Purche and Collado del Alguacil on stage 20.
• Several top rivals are absent or targeting other events which narrows the podium race to a compact group of outsiders, notably Félix Gall, Mattias Skjelmose, João Almeida, Primož Roglič, Enric Mas, Richard Carapaz and Wout van Aert.
• France fields one of the largest national contingents focused on stage wins and support roles, all 21 stages will be shown live on Eurosport, and organisers have announced €606,060 in total stage prize money with €11,000 for each stage winner.