​Prince Albert welcomes global superstar ahead of a historic Monaco first (SC Pool – Corbis)Prince Albert II stepped into the sporting spotlight this week, welcoming cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar ahead of a historic moment for Monaco.You may also likePrincess Charlene and Queen Letizia are bringing back the same timeless summer accessoryKing Charles joins Prince Albert with heartfelt message after devastating tragedyCharlotte Casiraghi at 40: In love and carrying on Grace Kelly’s legacyContinue readingThe Monegasque royal met the Slovenian athlete during the official team presentation for the 2026 Vuelta a España. Monaco will become the first location in history to host the opening stage of all three cycling Grand Tours. (@ Tim de Waele)The two were photographed smiling and shaking hands as excitement builds for the prestigious race, which begins in the principality on Saturday, August 22.Pogačar, the reigning world champion and five-time winner of the Tour de France, is among the biggest names participating in this year’s competition. The 27-year-old cyclist is also a familiar face in Monaco, where he currently resides.The Monegasque sovereign shared a warm handshake with the reigning world champion ahead of the race’s historic departure. (@ Alexander Hassenstein)The opening stage will be particularly personal for Pogačar. Riders will compete in a 9.4-kilometer individual time trial through Monaco, with the route taking the cycling star past his own home.A historic first for Monaco:The 2026 departure will secure Monaco a unique place in cycling history. The principality will become the first location to have hosted the opening stage of all three of the sport’s Grand Tours.The Slovenian cyclist currently resides in Monaco and will race past his own home during the opening time trial. (@ Tim de Waele)Monaco previously welcomed the Giro d’Italia in 1966 and the Tour de France in 2009. La Vuelta’s arrival completes the remarkable trio exactly 60 years after the Giro began there.The inaugural time trial will start in front of the Monte Carlo Casino before taking riders through the famously glamorous city-state. More than 180 cyclists are expected to take part in the race, which will continue through Spain before concluding at the Alhambra in Granada on September 13.Tadej Pogačar smiled while speaking with Prince Albert before taking on a major new sporting challenge. (@ Tim de Waele)For Pogačar, the competition also represents an opportunity to complete a major career milestone. While he has already won both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, he has yet to claim an overall victory at La Vuelta.The Slovenian athlete made his Grand Tour breakthrough at the Spanish race in 2019, finishing third overall and winning three stages during his debut appearance. If he triumphs this year, he will become only the ninth cyclist in history to win all three Grand Tours.Pogačar is hoping to win La Vuelta for the first time and complete his