A Monaco Grand Départ for the first time
Monaco becomes the first country to host the start of all three Grand Tours — the Giro, the Tour and the Vuelta. The opening time trial begins with a lumpy, technical section past the Monte Carlo casino before flattening out into a fast, technical finish through the principality's streets.
Who takes the first red jersey?
A short test against the clock, ideal for explosive time triallists. This Vuelta's first leader will be decided inside ten minutes of racing — and will have to defend the jersey through the hills of Provence over the following days.