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Pogacar forced to change kit before Vuelta podium after rainbow stripes mix up Tadej Pogacar’s opening day at the Vuelta a España ended with victory, the red jersey and an unexpected wardrobe problem. The Slovenian was forced to change his kit moments before the podium ceremony in Monaco after winning the opening individual time trial, when officials noticed that his clothing featured the rainbow stripes of a world champion. There was just one problem: Pogačar is the reigning road race world champion, not the world time trial champion, meaning he had to appear on the podium in his regular team kit. Pogačar had beaten Ethan Hayter by the extraordinary margin of just nine hundredths of a second over the 9.4 kilometre course through Monaco. His time of 10 minutes and 57 seconds was enough to secure both the stage victory and the first red leader’s jersey of the race. The issue was ultimately resolved by changing into a different jersey and folding over the rainbow details on his shorts and socks so they were no longer visible. He then joined Prince Albert II of Monaco on stage to collect his prize as the stage winner. It is not the first time this season that Pogačar has found himself at the centre of a clothing related controversy. After his victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, he was initially fined 5,000 Swiss francs over the placement of a sponsor logo on his world champion jersey, with the issue later traced to Richard Mille branding near the wrist. The penalty was subsequently withdrawn after it emerged that the relevant regulations had been relaxed and the commissaires had acted on outdated rules. Join our WhatsApp service Be first to know. Subscribe to Domestique on WhatsApp for free and stay up to date with all the latest from the world of cycling.