Brandon McNulty attacked out of a decimated peloton with 15 km remaining in stage three of Il Giro di Sicilia to claim a rain-soaked victory on the streets of Ragusa. The 21-year-old made it over the Serra di Burgio climb in an exclusive group that included teammate Gavin Mannion, before going it alone and claiming a solo victory. McNulty’s winning margin of 55 seconds moves him into the lead of the Maglia Giallo Rossa and Maglia Bianca (Best Young Rider) classifications heading into tomorrow’s queen stage to Mt Etna.
“It feels incredible,” said McNulty. “I’ve been working towards this for the last few years so to finally get that first pro win is really nice. Hopefully, there’s a snowball effect for the rest of the trip!”
Rally UHC Cycling has now finished inside the top ten on all three stages in Sicily thanks to a complete commitment from the team to their two leaders.
“The team has been incredible this week at supporting both Colin Joyce and me,” said McNulty. “Constantly keeping us topped up with food and water and making sure we always have the necessary clothing. We’re always in a good position leading into key sections and I don’t think I’ve had to touch the wind once this race which is huge on these long hard days.”
The decisive move came when McNulty saw a drop in the speed of the front group at 15 km remaining and the Arizona native took full advantage of the situation.
“Pat McCarty radioed Gavin Mannion and me telling us to look for any opportunity after cresting Serra di Burgio,” said McNulty. “Gavin started following moves and when there was a swell in the group, I slingshotted off the front. I hit the wet descent and took the necessary risks to help grow the gap. Once I hit the final climb, I knew I probably had it and just went as hard as I could to the end.”
Team director Pat McCarty was proud of the team’s effort and recognized the significance of their achievement.
“This is our first stage win and leader’s jersey at a UCI 2.1 event in Europe,” said McCarty. “What it means is that we are an American team that can compete at the highest level in Europe. It wasn’t just one guy today, the whole team rode incredibly well in support of Brandon and he followed through phenomenally well.”
When asked what the team’s plans were for tomorrow’s decisive stage to Mt Etna, McCarty went straight to the point.
“Of course we will defend the lead because we are the team to beat,” said McCarty. “I think everyone is confident we are capable of getting the job done.”
Watch LIVE streaming of the Giro di Sicilia on FloBikes.com, April 3 – 6 (7:50 am – 9:50 am CDT).
Stage 3 results
1 MCNULTY Brandon Rally UHC Cycling 4:42:28
2 EIKING Odd Christian Wanty – Gobert Cycling Team 0:55
3 VISCONTI Giovanni Neri Sottoli – Selle Italia – KTM 0:56
4 ZURLO Federico Giotti Victoria – Palomar ,,
5 TOTÒ Paolo Sangemini – Trevigiani – MG.Kvis ,,
6 MONTAGUTI Matteo Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec ,,
7 POLANC Jan UAE-Team Emirates ,,
8 PETILLI Simone UAE-Team Emirates ,,
9 MARTIN Guillaume Wanty – Gobert Cycling Team ,,
10 MASNADA Fausto Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec ,,
General Classification after stage 3
1 MCNULTY Brandon Rally UHC Cycling 3 14:29:36
2 EIKING Odd Christian Wanty – Gobert Cycling Team 0:59
3 VISCONTI Giovanni Neri Sottoli – Selle Italia – KTM 1:02
4 TIZZA Marco Amore & Vita – Prodir 1:06
5 TOTÒ Paolo Sangemini – Trevigiani – MG.Kvis ,,
6 MARTIN Guillaume Wanty – Gobert Cycling Team ,,
7 POLANC Jan UAE-Team Emirates ,,
8 MONTAGUTI Matteo Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec ,,
9 VLASOV Aleksandr Gazprom-RusVelo ,,
10 PETILLI Simone UAE-Team Emirates ,,
