American McNulty wins the time trial of the first stage of the Vuelta

American Brandon McNulty won the individual time trial at the opening stage of the Spanish cycling championship Vuelta in Portugal.

The UAE Team Emirates rider completed the 12-kilometer course in a time of 12 minutes and 35 seconds, two seconds faster than Czech rider Mathias Vacek. Belgian star Wout van Art finished third, three seconds slower than the winning time.

McNulty's teammate Jay Vine was the leading Australian, finishing 14th, 24 seconds behind the American's time.

“I was hoping for something good today, but this is really hard for me to believe,” McNulty said. “I knew I could do something good, but I didn't expect to win. I just felt good and did my best. I gave it everything I had.”

McNulty finished fifth in the men's individual time trial at the Olympic Games in Paris.

The coastal wind played a crucial role as the riders covered a fast route near the mouth of the River Tajo from Lisbon to Oeiras.

“The wind was really strong, but we knew that, so I expected it,” said Vacek. “I think it was the same for everyone. It was pure power and I gave it my all. The pace plan was about a minute slower. We can be really, really happy.”

Defending Vuelta champion Sepp Kuss was 53 seconds slower than McNulty, which was only enough for 62nd place.

Primoz Roglic, a three-time Vuelta winner who switched from Team Visma-Lease a Bike to Team Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe, was eighth fastest, 17 seconds behind McNulty.

The first three stages of this year's Vuelta will take place in Portugal. The three-week race includes eight mountain stages and two individual time trial stages. Only one stage is flat.

Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar will not take part in the Vuelta, the last Grand Tour race of the season. Also absent are Jonas Vingegaard, runner-up in the Tour de France, and Remco Evenepoel, who completed the podium in France.