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Emirates opt for multiple options for this year’s competition as team leader Tadej Pogačar targets Paris-Nice Tyrrhenian-Adriatic… With Brandon McNulty, João Almeida and Adam Yates, the Emirates Emirates have a real chance of pulling off the rare Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico double.
Pogazza takes control of Paris-Nice At the finish of the first mountain on Wednesday. Now, with Tireno-Adriatico heading into the mountains, McNulty, Almeida and Yates match him in Italy.
american driver mcnulty Currently the best driver for Emirates Team Emirates, he is fourth, 34 seconds behind time trial champion Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers). Almeida was sixth with 41 seconds and Adam Yates was 39th with 1:18. McNulty was just six seconds behind second-placed Leonard Kamna (Bora-Hansgrohe) and four behind fellow American Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers).
“We have a few cards that we can play with me, João and even Adam, so I think we are in a good position and have different options,” an upbeat McNulty told cycling news.
The 24-year-old from Phoenix, Ariz., finished fifth in the time trial of the Lido Open in Camaiore on Monday. He avoided any problems on stage 2, then made sure he was part of the echelon attack in the final kilometers of stage 3.
“My time trial is pretty good. I’m happy with it and it’s fast. It’s my first real TT of the year and it’s a good way to start the race,” he said.
Ganner has maintained the leader’s blue jersey for the two sprint stages to Follonica and Foligno, but the hill ride that began on Wednesday runs from Gresio to the city overlooking the Adriatic coast. Tortoreto on the hills for another 200+ km of riding. Most of the stage is on valley roads, but the final 51km includes four three-kilometre climbs to the finish line.
Friday’s fifth stage ends at the summit of Sassotetto, and then the sixth stage to Osimo covers many steep short climbs in the Le Marche region of central Italy.
Ganna doesn’t have the confidence to defend the leader’s jersey after Thursday, so McNulty, Almeida and Yates may soon begin their assault on the overall classification. McNulty would not reveal any team plans, but seemed confident.
“I’ve had a great winter at home with friends and family. I’m healthy, in a great position and motivated for the season,” he said.
He has played 19 days, including the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and most recently the UAE Tour. He even got a taste of Tuscan gravel on a Strade Bianche.
“My legs are there and my body is showing good signs, so hopefully I can do well in Tirreno-Adriatico,” he said.
McNulty and Emirates team are preparing for a crucial stage in Tirreno-Adriatico.
“As far as I know, Sassotetto’s long stick is manageable to the finish,” McNulty explained. “It’s going to be the second day of the stage, a lot of short, steep climbs will be key. I think it’s going to be very aggressive that day.
“I’m just hoping for some sunshine and some good legs, it should be fun.”
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