Tadej Pogacar claimed the opening stage of the Vuelta a España with a victory in Saturday's 9.4-kilometre individual time trial in Monaco, seizing the red leader's jersey for the first time in his career just weeks after winning five stages at the Tour de France.
The Slovenian edged England's Ethan Hayter by nearly one second and Wales' Joshua Tarling by four, with teammate Joao Almeida finishing 18th and Wout van Aert nine seconds back. Four-time Vuelta champion Primoz Roglic, 36 and competing despite recent injury concerns, placed 24th at 22 seconds behind the winner.
The 81st edition of the race, which race director Javier Guillen called a major boost for the event, continues Sunday with a 214.3-km stage from Monaco to Manosque.