American cyclist Brandon McNulty made a strong statement in the opening stage of the Vuelta a España, winning the individual time trial and claiming the first leader’s jersey of the race. The 25-year-old delivered a powerful performance on the 13.2-kilometer course, clocking in at 15 minutes and 32 seconds to secure his first-ever stage victory in a Grand Tour.
The time trial, held in the streets of Barcelona, featured a challenging mix of technical turns and short, sharp climbs, testing the riders’ bike handling skills and power output. McNulty, known for his time trial prowess, tackled the course with precision, maintaining a high cadence and expertly navigating the tricky sections.
McNulty’s victory not only highlights his form but also positions him as a potential contender in the overall classification. While primarily considered a time trial specialist, McNulty has shown increasing versatility in stage races, and this win could signal his ambitions for a strong overall performance in the Vuelta.
“I felt really good out there today,” McNulty said after his win. “The course suited me well, and I was able to find a good rhythm early on. It’s an amazing feeling to win a stage in a Grand Tour, especially here at the Vuelta. I’m excited for what’s to come in the next few weeks.”
His victory came at the expense of several other top contenders, with Belgian star Remco Evenepoel finishing second, just six seconds behind McNulty. Evenepoel, a favorite for the overall title, put in a solid ride but was unable to match the American’s pace on the day.
The result has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting Vuelta a España, with McNulty now wearing the red jersey as the race leader. As the peloton heads into the mountains in the coming stages, all eyes will be on McNulty to see if he can defend his lead or if another contender will emerge to take control of the race.
For McNulty, the victory is a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his development as a rider and his potential to compete at the highest level in the sport. As the Vuelta unfolds, McNulty will aim to build on this success, with the hope of further stage wins and perhaps even a high finish in the general classification.