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Pogacar becomes leader of La Vuelta in Monaco

Tadej Pogacar wins the opening time trial of La Vuelta a España and takes the lead by nine hundredths.

22 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Pogacar becomes leader of La Vuelta in Monaco — Photo: Hugo LUC · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tadej Pogacar stood out in the opening time trial of La Vuelta a España, held in Monaco, where he secured the top spot and became the leader of the competition. The Slovenian cyclist edged out British rider Ethan Hayter by just nine hundredths of a second in a close contest that highlights the competitiveness of the event.

The time trial marked the start of the 2026 edition of La Vuelta, which is the only major cycling competition missing from Pogacar's resume. With this victory, the cyclist takes a significant step into the history of the event, designed to showcase the talent of the best in the world.

The course took place on the iconic streets of Monaco, including landmarks such as the Casino and the areas surrounding the harbor. These locations are known for their association with luxury and Formula 1 competitions, adding a special context to Pogacar's victory.

The result of the time trial not only establishes Pogacar as the leader from the outset of La Vuelta but also raises expectations about his performance in the upcoming stages. The Slovenian stands out among the competitors, reaffirming his status as one of the most prominent cyclists of the moment.

This outcome has attracted the attention of media and fans alike, who are watching how the competition will unfold in the coming days. La Vuelta a España 2026 presents an intriguing setting to follow the performance of Pogacar and other riders.

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