News | Vuelta a San Juan • February 1, 2020
McNulty 3rd on first mountain test in Argentina
American goes on the attack on the Alto Colorado
Brandon McNulty has continued his strong run in his first race in UAE colours, placing 3rd on stage 5 of the Vuelta San Juan and climbing up to 4th in the general classification.
On a day for the climbers, the UAE Team Emirates squad ignited the race with 35km to go, splitting the peloton and distancing the race leader Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck Quick Step). This effort would prove to be decisive with several riders losing touch as the both the leaders and chasers pressed on before eventually coming back together within 10km from the line.
As they began the climb of Alto Colorado McNulty moved clear with Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) though open and exposed roads would see their gap be brought back. Colombian Miguel Flores (Androni) jumped clear for the win in the closing metres with McNulty rounding out the podium behind Oscar Sevilla (Medellin) in the sprint.
Tomorrow stage 6 goes from Autódromo El Villicúm to Autódromo El Villicúm (174.5k) with a slight rise to the finish which should be another opportunity for the in-form Fernando Gaviria.
McNulty: “We knew there was a chance it would split up in the crosswind so we were very attentive to that. The guys were in a great position and drove it on putting the other favourites in danger. It was quite hectic so Richeze and the other guys were really helping me, I knew there was a gap at that point but I was thinking more about the stage win. It’s still January so I think my sprint for that kind of finish isn’t quite there yet so all things considered I’m pleased with third.”
Stage 5 results
1. Miguel Flores (Androni) 4h36:23
2. Oscar Sevilla (Medellin) +2’’
3. Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) +2’’
General Classification after stage 5
1.Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck Quick Step) 16h19:05
2.Filippo Ganna (Italy) +33’’
3.Oscar Sevilla (Medellin) +1’01’’
4.Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) +1’21’’
