Tadej Pogacar Wins First Stage of 81st Vuelta a España in Monaco

Tadej Pogacar won the opening time trial of the 81st Vuelta a Espana in Monaco on Aug. 22, delivering an immediate statement of intent as the race got underway. According to Reuters reporting from Monte Carlo, the world’s fastest bike rider dazzled along the Mediterranean course to claim the early leader’s jersey.

The opening stage brought the peloton to the streets of Monaco for a technical test against the clock. Pogacar navigated the coastal route with precision to outpace his early rivals. Race organizers structured the test to challenge specialists right from the start of the three-week Grand Tour.

This victory places the Slovenian star at the top of the general classification standings on the opening day of competition. Riders faced a demanding layout along the principality’s famous roads before the race moves deeper into the official route schedule. Competitors must now pivot toward the upcoming road stages as the GC battle takes shape.