Monaco, August 22, 2026. Tadej Pogacar struck a big blow at the opening of the Vuelta. The Slovenian won the first stage and took the leader's red flag. A feat achieved on the roads of the principality, under the eyes of a won over audience. The arrival at the top of the Col de la Turbie smiled on the world champion. Pogacar reached 3 kilometers from the line, leaving his main rivals behind. Primoz Roglic, second at 12 seconds, conceded ground. Remco Evenepoel, third, is 18 seconds behind.The race, 185 kilometers long, offered a nervous scenario from the start. A breakaway of four riders animated the first part of the stage, before being taken up again in the final climb. The pace set by the UAE team blew up the peloton.
<pThis success confirms the brilliant form of Pogacar, already winner of the Tour de France in July. Slov seems untouchable, but the Vuelta remains a minefield. The second stage, this Sunday, promises to be formidable with 215 kilometers between Monaco and Manosque.The route will follow the Mediterranean in the first thirty kilometers, crossing Nice. The peloton will then take the roads of the Tour de France, without a meter of flat ground. The organizers promise a grueling day, made up of technical climbs and descents.