McNulty Crowns Triumphant Season with Veneto Classic Victory in Rainbow Jersey
UAE Team Emirates-XRG concludes their 2026 campaign in resplendent style as Brandon McNulty secures a commanding solo victory at the Veneto Classic, whilst teammate Pavel Sivakov completes the podium in third place.
The Emirates cycling calendar reached its zenith as UAE Team Emirates-XRG drew their 2026 season to a glorious close with a masterful performance at the Veneto Classic. Brandon McNulty, adorned in the prestigious rainbow jersey of world road race champion, orchestrated a masterclass in disciplined cycling prowess, executing a perfectly judged solo breakaway to claim an emphatic victory.
Maintaining a commanding advantage of approximately twenty seconds with merely six kilometres remaining, McNulty demonstrated the tactical acumen and physical fortitude that characterises champions of his calibre. His measured acceleration throughout the concluding stages saw him progressively extend his lead, ultimately crossing the finish line in splendid isolation to celebrate a momentous first triumph since his coronation as world champion in Montréal last month.
The day proved equally distinguished for his teammate Pavel Sivakov, who mounted a spirited performance to secure third place on the podium. This accomplished result provided a graceful conclusion to Sivakov’s tenure with the Emirati squad, offering a poignant farewell to a rider of considerable talent and dedication.
The double podium finish served as a resplendent punctuation mark to a season that, whilst presenting considerable adversity, witnessed the team maintaining their competitive excellence at cycling’s highest echelon. Throughout the campaign, UAE Team Emirates-XRG navigated the inevitable tribulations that accompany professional sport: debilitating crashes, injuries sustained by valued riders, and the periodic absence of several key performers from the roster.
Despite these formidable challenges, the squad demonstrated the resilience and determined spirit that characterises truly elite athletic organisations. Their collective endeavours culminated in an impressive seasonal tally of seventy-eight victories, a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence and their capacity to flourish even amidst considerable difficulty.
This conclusion exemplifies the qualities that have established UAE Team Emirates-XRG as a formidable force within the international cycling community: strategic nous, individual brilliance, and an institutional commitment to achieving sporting distinction.
Source: WAM