The 2022 Vuelta a España opens Friday evening in Utrecht with a team time trial that could create a major gap in the race for the final overall win on September 11.

The first stage is 23.3 km long, nearly double the distance of the last team time trial in the Vuelta, which took place on the opening day of the 2019 Trevieja. This time Astana won, with Miguel Angel Lopez taking the race's first red jersey.

Jumbo-Visma suffered a group crash that day, but the time loss did not prevent Primos Roglic from carrying the Mayo Rojo to Madrid three weeks later.

On Friday evening, the teams started four minutes apart, with Burgos-BH coming off the start ramp at 18:30 Central European Time. Arkea-Samsic, excluding Nairo Quintana, will start the Vuelta at 18:46, while Simon Yates and Bike Exchange-Jayco will start at 19:02.

Ineos Grenadiers will start at 19:46, followed by Quick Step Alphavinir. The key to the success of this Belgian's Vuelta debut will be the race against the clock.

Movistar will be last off the start ramp as Alejandro Valverde takes his final Vuelta, while defending champion Roglic and Jumbo Visma bring the curtain down at 19:58 (Central European Time). The Dutch team will not be looking for support in the city of Utrecht.