McNulty storms to victory at Faun Ardeche

A classy display by Brandon McNulty saw him clinch victory at Faun Ardeche Classic, 1.Pro, 168.8 km, with start and finish in Guilherand-Granges.

 
The American from UAE Team Emirates crossed the finish line after a solitary escape of 25 km, followed by Mauri Vansevenant (2nd) and Sepp Kuss (3rd) at 45’’ giving the Emirati team a further joy, after the win the same day in the UAE Tour.

 
McNulty attacked on the most challenging ascent of the day, the Saint Romains de Lerps climb (6.3 km, 7% average gradient, which crested at -21 km from the finish). At -25 km, McNulty attacked from the group of favorites, taking on the quartet that was leading the race at the time (composed of Bruno Armiral of Groupama-FDJ, Mauri Vansevenant of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, Sepp Kuss of Jumbo-Visma and Clement Champoussin of AG2R Citroen), and then set off on a solo counterattack.

With teammate Juan Ayuso in control of the situation in the main group, McNulty continued at full speed up the climb, and widening the margin up to 50″ on the last short climb of the day (Cote de Val d’Enfer).
In full control in the final 6 km towards the finish line, the Emirati rider was able to cross the line with his arms raised, seizing the second success of the season: with another solitary winto add to the Trofeo Calvia.

McNulty: “I’m really happy. It was a tough day, I had an aggressive approach to the race, especially on the last two climbs, launching myself into the attack.
My start to the season has been very good so far with some nice results. I knew that I had done quality training and I am pleased to be able to turn this work into victories.
It is the second one-day race that I win this year; I am pleased because these are races where I can go all out, but I’m keen to get stuck into the stage races now too”.

 
There was a strong showing also from Matteo Trentin at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the opening race of the classic campaign and the first World Tour season race in Europe.

As usual, the Italian of UAE Team Emirates showed all his experience and his ability along the 204 km from Gent to Ninove (13 climbs and 12 sectors of cobblestones), taking 7th place final: Trentin won the sprint of the small group of riders who crossed the finish line 23 ”after the winner Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).

The Belgian champion attacked 13 km from the finish and was never reached.
Fernando Gaviria was forced to retire due to a fall which occurred 40 km from the finish, breaking his collarbone.

Trentin: “Van Aert proved that today he was the strongest, he went when we were all on the limit and there was no way to get back.
In the sprint, unfortunately, I didn’t find the right space to be able to be in the front row at the exit of the corner.
The sensations were good, even in the most demanding sections, suffering a little only on the Bosberg. ”

Order of arrival Faun Ardeche Classic

 
1. Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) 4h26’36 “*
2. Mauri Vansevenant (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) +45 ”
3. Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) s.t.

Order of arrival Omloop Het Nieuwsblad

 
1. Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) 4h50’28 ”
2. Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Victorious) +23 ”
3. Greg Van Avermaet (AG2R-Citroen) s.t.
7. Matteo Trentin (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.