McNulty's Near Miss: The Untold Story of His Second Race in Rainbow

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-10-05

Brandon McNulty is a name you're going to want to remember. The American cyclist just pulled off something pretty remarkable, and it happened in only his second race wearing the rainbow jersey as world champion. ### A Runner-Up Finish That Turned Heads McNulty took second place at Coppa Agostoni on Sunday afternoon. Not bad for a guy who's still getting used to the weight of that world champion's jersey, right? The race unfolded in Italy, and McNulty was right there in the mix, attacking and pushing the pace for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. If you caught the Giro dell'Emilia on Saturday, you saw a similar story. McNulty finished 10th there, but it wasn't for lack of trying. He was on the front foot, making moves, testing his legs against some of the best in the sport. That kind of racing takes guts, especially when you're the one everyone's watching. ### Why This Matters for American Cycling Let's be real: American cycling fans don't get a ton of chances to cheer for a world champion in the pro peloton. McNulty's rise is a big deal. He's not just wearing the jersey; he's racing like he deserves it. That second-place finish at Coppa Agostoni? It's a sign that he's not content to just show up. He wants to win. UAE Team Emirates-XRG had a strong presence in Italy, and McNulty was a big part of that. The team's strategy seemed to revolve around putting him in position to strike, and he delivered. You could see the hunger in his riding. ### What's Next for McNulty? So, what does this mean going forward? For starters, it's a confidence boost. Racing as world champion comes with pressure, but McNulty seems to be handling it well. He's attacking, he's animating races, and he's getting results. That's exactly what you want to see. Here's a quick breakdown of his recent performances: - Giro dell'Emilia: 10th place, aggressive racing throughout - Coppa Agostoni: 2nd place, a podium finish in just his second race in the rainbow jersey Those aren't just good results; they're statements. McNulty is telling the cycling world that he's here to stay, and he's not afraid to mix it up with the best. ### The Bigger Picture For American fans, this is exciting. We've been waiting for a rider to step up and consistently challenge in the biggest races, and McNulty looks like he could be that guy. He's got the engine, the tactical sense, and now the confidence that comes from wearing the world champion's jersey. As the season winds down, keep an eye on McNulty. He's hungry, he's talented, and he's just getting started. If his first two races are any indication, the future is bright. And who knows? Maybe that first win in the rainbow jersey isn't far off. One thing's for sure: Brandon McNulty is making American cycling fans proud. And that's something we can all get behind.