Pogacar takes Vuelta lead by 0.09 seconds, calls himself 'lucky guy'

Tadej Pogacar is the first leader of the Vuelta a España, holding the red jersey by the slimmest of margins – just 0.09 seconds ahead of Britain's Ethan Hayter. The Slovenian rider, who lives in Monaco, celebrated his victory in the opening time trial, describing himself as a "lucky guy."

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I was having a good day and felt motivated. I live in Monaco and I passed by where I usually go by bike or on foot, I knew the route perfectly and that's why I entered the technical part confidently and came out of the curves quickly, so I gave it my all and managed to maintain the pace until the end.

"I was having a good day and felt motivated. I live in Monaco and I passed by where I usually go by bike or on foot, I knew the route perfectly and that's why I entered the technical part confidently and came out of the curves quickly, so I gave it my all and managed to maintain the pace until the end," Pogacar explained after donning the red jersey.

This victory marks Pogacar's first win in August, a month where he has historically struggled. "Those who know me well know that I have a hard time in August, but I tried to arrive well prepared after the Tour and I think I have succeeded. I am happy with my first victory in August and at the start of the Vuelta," he said.

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Those who know me well know that I have a hard time in August, but I tried to arrive well prepared after the Tour and I think I have succeeded. I am happy with my first victory in August and at the start of the Vuelta.

The narrow win over Hayter led Pogacar to joke about his fortune. "I haven't won many time trials. In Switzerland with Van der Poel I won with a small margin. It seems I'm a lucky guy, so I'll have to go to the casino. I won by the minimum, but I enjoyed it a lot," he admitted.

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I haven't won many time trials. In Switzerland with Van der Pole I won with a small margin. It seems I'm a lucky guy, so I'll have to go to the casino. I won by the minimum, but I enjoyed it a lot.

Looking ahead, Pogacar is prepared to defend or cede the red jersey. "Tomorrow could be a good opportunity to lose the red jersey, the differences are small and tomorrow we are going to enjoy ourselves and we will see what we do." He remains focused on the competition, acknowledging the strong field of riders. "The participation is wide, and a time trial like this doesn't indicate much. I saw some very good riders in the Vuelta a Burgos, but I am prepared for any rival. It will be an interesting Vuelta to watch. In Andorra, we will see the rivals I might have," he concluded.

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Tomorrow could be a good opportunity to lose the red jersey, the differences are small and tomorrow we are going to enjoy ourselves and we will see what we do.