The 81st edition of the Vuelta a España got underway with a technical time trial through the streets of Monaco. The riders individually covered 9.4 kilometers against the clock in the principality. Bruno Armirail was the first Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider to leave the start ramp at the iconic casino. The three-time French time trial champion was unable to contend for a top finish after a bike change.  

Not long afterward, Matthew Brennan set the fastest time. The 21-year-old Brit, making his grand tour debut, briefly was in the hot seat. It did not take long for his time to be beaten. His compatriot Ethan Hayter looked on course for the stage victory for a long time.

Laporte was also aiming for a strong result in the time trial. The 33-year-old Frenchman was making his Vuelta debut. Laporte clocked the third-fastest time at the finish. “It was a difficult time trial,” the Frenchman said afterward. “You had to go all-out from start to finish, and there were few opportunities to recover. It was tough, but I enjoyed racing here.”  

Shortly after Laporte, it was Van Aert’s turn. The Belgian was one of the last riders to start. At the intermediate point, Van Aert was close to Hayter’s time. The 31-year-old Belgian ultimately set the eighth-fastest time at the finish. In the final stages, Pogačar managed to take the victory.  

“I gave it my all today,” Van Aert said. “Looking back, I may have been a little too cautious in the corners, but that was a deliberate choice. I ultimately finished within ten seconds of the stage winner, so that certainly gives me opportunities for tomorrow’s stage. Thanks to the bonification seconds, there is still a chance to take the red jersey. I came here with the ambition to win, but I can certainly be satisfied with this result and my form.”  

Head of Performance Mathieu Heijboer also reflected on the opening stage: “The main goal was to win, so obviously we’re not completely satisfied. We can say, however, that Christophe, Wout, and Matthew all rode a solid time trial here. Wout confirmed his good form, and we know that he generally takes a little less risk. With tomorrow in mind, he is in a good position. The competition will be strong, but a finish like that should suit him.”