‘I think that 0.09 happened when I passed my apartment’ - Pogačar reveals where he won Vuelta opener

Tadej Pogačar could hardly have won the first red jersey of the Vuelta a España by a finer margin.

The Slovenian edged Ethan Hayter by just nine hundredths of a second in the 9.2km opening time trial in Monaco, a victory Pogačar admitted he had not expected.

“It’s a weird feeling to win the time trial, the first stage,” Pogačar said. “I was not expecting it and I’m really happy. This red is really nice for me.”

On a course where every corner counted, Pogačar believes home advantage may ultimately have decided it.

The most technical section of the route passed close to his apartment, on roads he knows from everyday life in Monaco. Asked where he might have found the tiny advantage over Hayter, Pogačar had a ready answer.

“I think that 0.09 happened when I passed my apartment,” he said. “That was the most technical part. I walk and cycle there every day.”

Racing those roads at full speed was another matter, he acknowledged, but the familiarity still counted.

“Even though it’s completely different when it’s for the race, you race on your home roads and you know it so well. I think this helped me a lot today.”

There was also an unusual moment before Pogačar even began his effort.

As he made his way towards the start, Josh Tarling was sitting on the fastest time. Tarling had arrived at the Vuelta following the death of his brother Finlay at the Volta a Portugal the previous week, and Pogačar admitted his own competitive instincts were mixed with a desire to see the Briton succeed.

“I really wished he would win today,” Pogačar said. “Of course I was going to give my best, but it was kind of a strange moment. I was really rooting for Josh as well.”

By the time Pogačar reached the intermediate checkpoint, however, the picture had changed. Hayter had moved into the lead and Pogačar was told he was several seconds down.

“I heard a different name. I heard Ethan Hayter was in front of me by three seconds,” he said. “Then I said, ‘Okay, I give it all, but no risk,’ and see what happens.”

What happened was a win by the narrowest of margins and the first maillot rojo of the race.

Pogačar does not expect to keep it without a fight. Stage 2 offers bonus seconds and an uphill finish in Manosque, while several riders remain close enough to challenge for the overall lead.

“It’s going to be tough already tomorrow,” he said. “Some guys who are close on time can maybe go in the breakaway or sprint for bonus seconds. Tomorrow is going to be a tight fight for the red jersey.”