The 2024 Vuelta a España has kicked off with a bang, with American rider Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates seizing the lead after a sensational performance in the opening time trial. The race, which began on the stunning coastlines of Lisbon, Portugal, saw McNulty navigate challenging conditions to clinch victory by a mere two seconds, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying Grand Tour.
The 12-kilometer time trial course from Lisbon to Oeiras, though short, was anything but easy. Riders were confronted with strong crosswinds gusting in from the Atlantic, adding an extra layer of complexity to the already intense competition. McNulty, who started as one of the last riders, managed to tackle these conditions brilliantly, showcasing not only his strength but also his strategic prowess. His winning time of 12 minutes and 35 seconds was just enough to edge out Czech rider Mathias Vacek of Lidl-Trek, who had put in a formidable ride earlier in the day.
Wout van Aert, the Belgian powerhouse riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, was another standout performer. Van Aert looked set to take the stage at one point, especially after clocking the fastest time at the intermediate split. However, as he neared the finish, the relentless wind and McNulty's late surge proved too much to overcome, leaving Van Aert in third place, three seconds off the pace.
McNulty's victory not only earned him the coveted leader's red jersey but also marked a significant milestone in his career. "I don't know if I expected to win. I knew if something crazy happened, I could, so I guess something crazy happened," McNulty said after his win, still coming to terms with his remarkable achievement. He acknowledged the difficulty of the course, particularly the impact of the wind, but emphasized that in the end, it was his legs that made the difference. "I just felt good and went as hard as I could. I knew with the split I was good, so then I just had to hold on and give everything I had."
As the Vuelta progresses, McNulty's role will likely shift from leader to support rider, assisting UAE Team Emirates' primary General Classification contenders, Joao Almeida and Adam Yates, in the mountains. Both Almeida and Yates finished respectably, with Almeida just 19 seconds behind McNulty, while Yates crossed the line 34 seconds down, setting up an intriguing battle as the race moves deeper into its three-week journey.
This opening stage has already provided plenty of drama, with several big names laying down markers for the days ahead. Three-time Vuelta winner Primoz Roglič of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe put in a solid performance, finishing 17 seconds behind McNulty and emerging as the best of the overall contenders. Meanwhile, reigning champion Sepp Kuss struggled slightly, losing 53 seconds, but remains in the mix as the race heads into more varied terrain.
Looking ahead, the second stage of the Vuelta will see the riders tackle a 194-kilometer route from Cascais to Ourém. With a profile that seems tailor-made for Van Aert, we can expect another fierce contest as the peloton begins to settle into the rhythm of the race. But for now, it's McNulty who holds the spotlight, leading the Vuelta after a thrilling opening day.
This year’s Vuelta a España has only just begun, but if the first stage is anything to go by, we’re in for a truly memorable race.
0 Comments