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Tadej Pogacar pips British duo in Monaco time trial to claim first stage of Vuelta
Tadej Pogačar won the opening stage of the Vuelta a España with a dramatic late surge, beating Ethan Hayter by 0.09 seconds in the Monaco time trial. The Slovenian leads the general classification as the race heads to its second stage, with a notable backdrop of Josh Tarling competing days after his brother's death.
Tadej Pogačar marked his return to the Vuelta a España with a victory in the opening stage, edging out British rider Ethan Hayter by just 0.09 seconds in the time trial through Monaco's streets. Pogačar, who resides in the principality and knows the route intimately, covered the highly technical 9.5-kilometer course in 10 minutes, 57 seconds.
Hayter, who rode earlier, appeared to be in contention as Pogačar neared the finish, but the Slovenian's late surge saw him snatch the win. According to the report, Pogačar accelerated as he approached the line and "just pipped" Hayter for the victory.
Hayter finished four seconds ahead of compatriot Josh Tarling, who was competing in the race barely a week after his younger brother Finlay was killed in an accident during the Volta a Portugal.
The stage held special significance for Pogačar, who won the first Grand Tour stage of his career and clinched the red jersey for the first time. With victories at the Giro d'Italia in 2024 and a recent fifth Tour de France title, he is now intent on adding the Vuelta to his palmarès, a goal only eight other riders have achieved.
Tarling's emotional return and absent rivals
The emotional backdrop of the stage centered on Josh Tarling, coming back to competition just eight days after his brother's death. The report noted that Pogačar shared a hug with Tarling before the podium ceremony.
The race is shaping up with notable absentees. Jonas Vingegaard, usually regarded as Pogačar's main rival, is skipping the Vuelta as a recovery from a broken collarbone sustained in a crash. Remco Evenpoel is also not participating, having chosen to train for the World Championships instead.
Next challenges
The second stage, which started in Monaco and covered 214 kilometers to Manosque, has already seen the peloton pass. Pogačar retains the red jersey after the opening stage, but a new name took the spotlight: Matt Brennan, a 21-year-old British rider for Visma-Lease a Bike, won the stage's sprint finish, beating Pau Miquel and Pogačar. That result, however, left the headline on Pogačar's narrow win in the TT.
The Vuelta, the 81st edition, is set to continue on Monday with stage 3, part of a three-week race that is scheduled to end in Granada.
How this outlet told it
Hindustan Times
Framing: The headline emphasizes Pogačar's 'explosive finish' to win, focusing on his dominant victory, and the exclusion of any runner-up names besides Hayter. — celebratory and emphatic, marked by phrases like 'explosive finish' and 'just pipped'
Facts Included:
Tadej Pogačar won stage 1 of the Vuelta a España, edging Ethan Hayter by 0.09 seconds in the opening time trial in Monaco
Pogačar completed the 9.5-kilometer course in 10 minutes, 57 seconds
Hayter finished four seconds ahead of Josh Tarling, who raced eight days after his brother Finlay was killed in the Volta a Portugal
Pogačar is bidding to become the ninth rider to win all three Grand Tours; he won the Giro d'Italia in 2024, and five Tours de France
Pogačar's main rival Jonas Vingegaard is not racing (recovering from a broken collarbone)
Remco Evenepoel is also not racing, opting for training for the World Championships
The second stage starts in Monaco and covers 214.3 km to Manosque
Much of the time trial route in Monaco covered the same course as the Formula 1 Grand Prix
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Claim
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Status
ClaimTadej Pogačar won stage 1 of the Vuelta a España, edging Ethan Hayter by 0.09 seconds in the opening time trial in Monaco.