Pogacar imposes his power from the first day in Monaco and is already leader of La Vuelta

Tadej Pogacar secured his first victory in the Vuelta a España with a commanding win in the opening time trial in Monaco, finishing ahead of British rider Ethan Hayter by nine hundredths of a second. The Slovenian phenom, already a double winner of the Tour de France and Giro di Lombardia, took control of the race immediately, setting the tone for what promises to be a dominant campaign. The 9.4-kilometer course, set against the backdrop of the Formula One Grand Prix circuit, was a technical challenge that saw Pogacar’s precision and power shine through. His margin over Hayter, who finished in 10 minutes and 57 seconds, was so narrow that it felt more psychological than purely numerical, reinforcing Pogacar's reputation as one of cycling’s most formidable talents. This year’s Vuelta a España marks a return to form for Pogacar, seven years after he last competed in the race. The edition has been framed as a personal quest, with the Slovenian aiming to add the Vuelta to his already impressive list of victories. His goal is clear: to join the elite group of cyclists who have won all three of cycling’s grand tours, the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España. This would place him among legends such as Bernard Hinault and Eddy Merckx, though Pogacar’s approach is distinctly modern, marked by relentless intensity and a willingness to push limits even in the early stages of a race. The race started with high expectations, given the star-studded field. Among the top contenders were Wout van Aert, who missed the Tour de France due to injury, and Mads Pedersen, a standout performer in the recent French Grand Tours. Other notable names included Primoz Roglic, Richard Carapaz, Felix Gall, Enric Mas, Mikel Landa, and Mattias Skjelmose. The route, which begins in Monaco and ends in Granada, spans the Mediterranean coast, passing through Catalonia, Andalusia, and Huelva. It includes challenging mountain stages such as the Alto de Aitana and the Sierra de la Pandera, as well as key climbs like the Puerto de Santa María and Jérez. The final two days of racing will take place in the Sierra Nevada, near Granada, where the race traditionally concludes. The first stage, a time trial in Monaco, was designed to test both speed and tactical awareness. With its tight, winding roads and limited space for overtaking, the course favored riders with exceptional aerodynamics and mental fortitude. Pogacar, known for his ability to thrive under pressure, demonstrated these qualities in spades. He maintained a steady pace throughout the race, ensuring that he did not waste energy unnecessarily while still leaving room for future challenges. His performance not only earned him the lead but also solidified his status as the favorite heading into the next stages. The second stage, a 214-kilometer ride from Monaco to Manosque, proved to be a more traditional road race. It featured rolling terrain and a long climb toward the finish, testing the endurance of the peloton. While Pogacar’s dominance in the time trial meant he had little need to exert himself here, the stage still offered opportunities for other riders to make their mark. Spanish cyclist Iván Romero came close, finishing just 15 seconds behind Pogacar, but the Slovenian’s lead remained unchallenged. The stage ended with a dramatic finish, highlighting the competitive nature of the race and the depth of talent present. As the Vuelta moves forward, the focus will shift to the mountain stages, where Pogacar’s strength and experience should serve him well. The upcoming climbs in Andorra La Vella and the Sierra de la Pandera will provide further opportunities for the Slovenian to extend his advantage. Meanwhile, the rest of the field will be looking for moments to challenge him, particularly in the final stages before the race reaches Granada. With the Vuelta a España historically known for its unpredictable twists and turns, there is always the possibility of upsets, but for now, Pogacar appears to be in complete command.