UAE Team Emirates-XRG's McNulty finishes second at Coppa Agostoni
In short
Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates-XRG finished second at the Coppa Agostoni in Lissone, Italy, on Sunday, in only his second race since becoming road world champion. He was part of an elite group that broke clear of the peloton with about 93 kilometres remaining. Paul Lapeira of Decathlon CMA CGM won in 3:51:44, with McNulty second on the same time and Andrea Raccagni Noviero of Soudal Quick-Step third, also on the same time.
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Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates-XRG finished second at the Coppa Agostoni in Lissone, Italy, on Sunday, in only his second race since becoming road world champion, Aletihad and the state news agency WAM reported. WAM reported that Paul Lapeira of Decathlon CMA CGM won in 3:51:44, with McNulty second on the same time and Andrea Raccagni Noviero of Soudal Quick-Step third, also on the same time. [ 1 , 2 ]
Both outlets reported that McNulty formed part of an elite leading group that broke clear of the peloton with about 93 kilometres remaining, and that he was still at the front with 80 kilometres to go. Aletihad reported the chasing peloton was unable to close the gap and that the outcome was decided among the leaders, ending in a six-rider sprint in which McNulty secured second place with a well-timed bike throw. WAM described strong competition among an elite group of riders and referred to a handful of leading contenders rather than giving a number. [ 1 , 2 ]
Aletihad reported that McNulty had placed 10th a day earlier at the Giro dell'Emilia, and that he raced aggressively in both events. It said the Coppa Agostoni was his second race since claiming the rainbow jersey. [ 1 ]
McNulty said the world title was still settling in. “For sure it is still settling in, with the jersey and everything,” Aletihad quoted him as saying. He said he was still a bit fatigued from the previous week and from the previous day's hard ride, and that he was happy to be in the final and happy with his efforts. He called being world champion “super special”, saying he had received congratulations and support from many people and wanted to thank everybody. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The result gives UAE Team Emirates-XRG a second strong showing from its recently crowned world champion in as many days, with WAM, the state news agency, reporting the placing alongside the full podium and times. For readers outside cycling's core audience the significance is limited to the team's profile and the rider's form in the rainbow jersey.
Key facts
- Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates-XRG finished second at the Coppa Agostoni in Lissone, Italy, on Sunday. [ 1 , 2 ]
- It was his second race since becoming road world champion, and he rode in the rainbow jersey. [ 1 , 2 ]
- He was part of an elite leading group that broke clear of the peloton about 93 kilometres from the finish and remained at the front with 80 kilometres to go. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Paul Lapeira of Decathlon CMA CGM won in 3:51:44, with McNulty second on the same time and Andrea Raccagni Noviero of Soudal Quick-Step third, also on the same time. [ 2 ]
- Aletihad reported the race ended in a six-rider sprint, with McNulty taking second place with a well-timed bike throw. [ 1 ]
- Aletihad reported McNulty placed 10th a day earlier at the Giro dell'Emilia. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- McNulty finished second at the Coppa Agostoni in Lissone, Italy, on Sunday. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The race was his second since becoming road world champion, and he was wearing the rainbow jersey. [ 1 , 2 ]
- He was in an elite leading group that broke away from the peloton with about 93 kilometres left and was still at the front with 80 kilometres to go. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Paul Lapeira of Decathlon CMA CGM won the race in 3:51:44. [ 2 ]
- McNulty finished second on the same time as the winner, with Andrea Raccagni Noviero of Soudal Quick-Step third, also on the same time. [ 2 ]
Still unclear
- How many riders contested the finish. Aletihad reported a six-rider sprint while WAM referred only to “a handful of other leading contenders”, so the exact number is not agreed.
- Where and when McNulty won the world title. Both documents describe him as the recently crowned road world champion but neither names the championships or their location.
- McNulty's 10th place at the Giro dell'Emilia the previous day. Only Aletihad mentions this earlier result.
- Whether the peloton closed any of the gap behind the lead group. Only Aletihad states the chasing peloton was unable to close the gap; WAM does not describe the chase.