I still remember the first time I saw Brandon McNulty race — not just ride, but race. It was the 2023 Giro d’Italia, Stage 15, when he launched a calculated move on a brutal mountain finish and crossed the line with a look of calm focus. That performance wasn’t just about winning a stage; it was the arrival of a new American star ready to leave his mark on world cycling. Since then, I’ve followed McNulty’s career closely, and every season he finds new ways to impress with his mix of power, precision, and versatility.
In this deep dive, I’ll walk you through his journey from promising junior to WorldTour standout, his biggest wins, what makes him so effective on the bike, and why his best years might still be ahead.
Who Is Brandon McNulty?
Born on April 2, 1998, Brandon McNulty is a professional road cyclist from the United States. He currently rides for UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates – XRG, one of the most successful teams in modern cycling. Known for his exceptional time trial ability and impressive climbing skills, McNulty has quickly become one of the most complete riders of his generation.
His rise to prominence began in 2016 when he won the Junior World Time Trial Championship, a victory that signaled the arrival of a major new talent. Since then, he’s built a career defined by consistency, growth, and an ability to perform in some of the sport’s toughest races.
From Junior Champion to WorldTour Rider
Image source: Cycling Weekly
Before McNulty was a fixture in cycling’s biggest races, he was a standout junior in the U.S. scene. His victory at the 2016 UCI Junior World Time Trial Championship put him on the global map, and he followed it with a strong 2nd place in the 2017 U23 World Championships time trial.
By 2019, he had turned professional and quickly showed his potential by winning the Giro di Sicilia. That same year, he proved he could compete at the highest level in Europe, earning attention for his tactical intelligence and smooth riding style.
Rising Through the Ranks, Major Career Highlights
McNulty’s progression from prospect to podium contender has been steady and impressive. His results tell the story of a rider who continues to evolve season after season. Here’s a snapshot of some of his most important achievements:
| Category | Achievements |
| Grand Tour Stage Wins | 2023 Giro d’Italia (Stage 15), 2024 Vuelta a España (Stage 17) |
| Stage Race GC Wins | 2025 Tour de Pologne, 2024 Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, 2025 Tour de Luxembourg, 2019 Giro di Sicilia |
| One-Day Races | 2025 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, 2022 Faun-Ardèche Classic, 2024 Gran Premio Miguel Indurain |
| Time Trials | 2023 & 2024 U.S. National Champion, 4th – 2023 World Championships, 5th – 2024 Olympic Games |
What makes this list remarkable isn’t just the diversity — it’s the range. Few riders can win a time trial one week, fight for a stage win in the mountains the next, and still deliver in a one-day race. Brandon McNulty can.
Brandon McNulty at the Grand Tours
Image source: THE UAE TOUR
No cyclist’s résumé is complete without Grand Tour performances, and McNulty has already made his mark on the sport’s biggest stages. His first standout performance came as a key domestique for Tadej Pogačar during the 2021 Tour de France, where he helped the Slovenian secure the overall title. It was a masterclass in selflessness and team play, and it showcased McNulty’s depth as a rider.
By 2023, he was no longer just a support rider. His Stage 15 win at the Giro d’Italia showed he could seize opportunities when they came. In 2024, he followed up with another memorable stage victory at the Vuelta a España. Both wins highlighted his ability to time his efforts perfectly and his growing confidence as a leader.
A Specialist in Time Trials, But So Much More
If you had to define McNulty with one skill, it would be time trialing. That’s where his career began, and it remains one of his strongest weapons. His smooth, aerodynamic style and ability to hold high power over long distances make him a serious contender in any race against the clock.
Some of his standout TT results include:
- U.S. National Time Trial Champion – 2023 & 2024
- 4th place – 2023 Elite World Championships
- 5th place – 2024 Olympic Games Time Trial
- 3rd place – 2024 Paris–Nice Time Trial
But to call him just a time trialist would be selling him short. McNulty is also a capable climber, able to stay with the best on tough mountain stages. That combination — TT power and climbing ability — is exactly what makes him so valuable in stage races and one-day events alike.
A Breakthrough Season for Brandon McNulty
Image source: UAE Team Emirates
The 2025 season has been a defining year in McNulty’s career. He started strong with a GC victory at the Tour de Pologne, followed by another major win at the Tour de Luxembourg, which also marked the 86th win of the season for his team — a record-breaking milestone.
One of his most notable performances came at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, where he outpaced a stacked field to take a prestigious one-day race victory. These results, combined with his continued excellence in time trials, pushed him into the top 20 of the UCI World Rankings by late September.
This season has shown that McNulty isn’t just a support rider or stage hunter anymore — he’s a legitimate GC threat and one of the most complete riders in the peloton.
The Strength Behind UAE Team Emirates XRG
A big part of McNulty’s rise has been the environment at UAE Team Emirates – XRG, one of cycling’s powerhouse teams. The squad is known for its depth, strategic race planning, and ability to balance multiple leaders. Riding alongside superstars like Tadej Pogačar has given McNulty a front-row seat to the very best tactics and training methods in the sport.
But McNulty has more than held his own. He’s often the go-to rider in critical race moments — whether that’s pacing a GC leader on a mountain pass, delivering in a crucial time trial, or going for the win himself. That versatility makes him indispensable to the team and a major factor in their ongoing success.
Why Brandon McNulty Matters to American Cycling
American cycling has had its share of standout riders, but the current generation needed a new star — someone capable of winning at the highest level and inspiring the next wave of talent. Brandon McNulty fits that role perfectly.
His mix of talent, discipline, and tactical intelligence makes him more than just a strong rider — he’s a symbol of what’s possible for U.S. cyclists competing on the world stage. As he continues to evolve, there’s every reason to believe he could fight for Grand Tour podiums in the future.
Brandon McNulty vs. Other American Time Trialists
Image source: Cycling News
| Rider | Specialty | Notable Wins | UCI Ranking (2025) |
| Brandon McNulty | Time Trial + Climbing | Tour de Pologne 2025, Vuelta Stage 17 2024 | 20 |
| Lawson Craddock | Time Trial | U.S. TT Champion 2021 | 68 |
| Magnus Sheffield | Time Trial | Vuelta Stage 2023 | 54 |
| Chad Haga | Time Trial | Giro d’Italia TT Stage 2019 | 95 |
McNulty’s ability to combine time trial power with climbing resilience puts him ahead of most of his peers and makes him a unique all-rounder on the world stage.
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FAQs About Brandon McNulty
What team does Brandon McNulty currently ride for?
Brandon McNulty rides for UAE Team Emirates – XRG, one of the top teams in professional cycling. Known for its strength in stage races and Grand Tours, the team has benefited greatly from McNulty’s contributions since he joined.
What is Brandon McNulty best known for?
He’s best known for his time trialing skills and impressive versatility. McNulty excels in both flat time trials and mountainous stages, making him a valuable rider in stage races and a serious contender in one-day events.
What are the biggest career wins of Brandon McNulty?
Some of his standout victories include the 2025 Tour de Pologne, 2025 Tour de Luxembourg, 2025 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, and Grand Tour stage wins at the 2023 Giro d’Italia and 2024 Vuelta a España.
What is Brandon McNulty’s current UCI World Ranking?
As of September 29, 2025, Brandon McNulty is ranked 20th in the UCI World Rankings, a testament to his consistent performances across multiple top-level races this season.
Why Brandon McNulty’s Story Is Just Getting Started
If there’s one thing that stands out about Brandon McNulty, it’s how much potential he still has. He’s already a national champion, Grand Tour stage winner, and GC victor — but his career trajectory suggests even bigger things ahead. With each season, he’s adding depth, confidence, and tactical maturity to his natural talent.
I have a feeling we’ll be talking about McNulty not just as a strong American rider, but as one of the defining figures of his generation. And if his 2025 season is any indication, the best chapters of his story are still waiting to be written.
Feature Image source: Cycling News
