The opening stage of the Vuelta unfolded today with a 12 km time trial between the picturesque cities of Lisboa and Oeiras. Lisboa, renowned for its historic charm and vibrant culture, provided a stunning backdrop for the riders as they launched their bid for the coveted red jersey. The route then led them towards Oeiras, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and modern vibe, where the race against the clock came to a thrilling conclusion. This initial test of speed set the tone for what promises to be an exciting edition of the Vuelta.
America walks away with its first victory
Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates clinched the victory with a time of 12′ 35″. He edged out Matěj Vacek from Lidl-Trek, who finished just two seconds behind, clocking in at 12′ 37″. Wout van Aert from Jumbo-Visma took third place with a time of 12′ 38″, just a second shy of Vacek. This close-fought battle sets an exciting precedent for the upcoming stages of the Vuelta.
Brandon McNulty, the 25-year-old American rider from UAE Team Emirates, continues to build on his impressive career. Standing at 1.83 meters and weighing 69 kg, McNulty has steadily developed into one of the top time trialists in the peloton. Since his early days with Rally Cycling in 2018, where he showed promise as a climber, McNulty has honed his skills, particularly in time trials, where his points have surged over the years. With 510 PCS time trial points and 527 PCS general classification points last season, McNulty is proving to be a formidable force, and today’s victory is a testament to his growth and potential in the sport.
The battle for the red jersey begins
With today’s victory, Brandon McNulty will proudly don the red jersey as the leader of the Vuelta heading into the second stage. However, holding onto that coveted jersey may prove challenging, given his slim margin of victory. Riders like Wout van Aert, who finished just three seconds behind McNulty in the time trial, are poised to excel in tomorrow’s slightly hilly terrain. Van Aert’s versatility and sprinting prowess make him a serious threat, and McNulty will need to be at his best to defend his lead against such strong competition.
A second stage in southern Portugal
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s stage, the Vuelta continues in Portugal with a challenging ride from Cascais to Ourém. The route will feature slightly hilly terrain, including a few category 4 passes that will test the riders’ endurance. Despite the undulating profile, the stage is expected to favor the sprinters, setting the stage for a showdown between top contenders like Kaden Groves, Bryan Coquard, and Wout van Aert. The race promises another exciting finish as these fast men battle for the stage victory.
