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Benidorm - Jakob Fuglsang is the early leader of the Spanish Vuelta after his Leopard-Trek team won the opening day team time trial on Saturday.
The Danish rider took full advantage of teammate Fabian Cancellara's strong lead through the final kilometers to finish the 13.5-kilometer (8.4-mile) first stage in the southern coastal town of Benidorm in 16 minutes, 30 seconds.
"Our goal today was simply to do a good time trial," said Fuglsang, who had never worn the leader's jersey before in a major race. "We knew if we did a good time trial we could win. This is a really special moment for the team. And for me, to pull on the leader's jersey at the Grand Tour, that's amazing."
Defending champion Vicenzo Nibali came in just four seconds behind with his Liquigas team.
"For me it was a good day because I made time against the favorites," the Italian rider said.
Under the sun and 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) heat, two-time winner Denis Menchov was 43 seconds off the pace.
"I can win the Vuelta," Menchov said before the race. "I am mentally focused and I know I am physically strong."
Local favorite Igor Anton of Euskatel finished 28 seconds behind the leader.
On Sunday, the riders face a 174-kilometer (109-mile) course from La Nucia to Playas de Orihuela, including a grade three mountain pass.
In its 66th edition, the 21-stage Vuelta is set to return to the Basque region for the first time in 33 years.
Race leaders:
1. Jakob Fuglsang, Denmark, Leopard, 16 minutes, 30 seconds.
2. Fabian Cancellara, Switzerland, Leopard, same time.
3. Maxime Monfort, Belgium, Leopard, same time.
4. Thomas Rohregger, Austria, Leopard, same time.
5. Daniele Bennati, Italy, Leopard, same time.
6. Peter Sagan, Slovakia, Liquigas, 4 seconds behind.
7. Damiano Caruso, Italy, Liquigas, same time.
8. Eros Capecchi, Italy, Liquigas, same time.
9. Valerio Agnoli, Italy, Liquigas, same time.
10. Vicenzo Nibali, Italy, Liquigas, same time.
