Brandon McNulty collides with driver before Tour time trial

American cyclist Brandon McNulty was involved in a collision with a motorist while traveling to the start of stage 16 of the Tour de France on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The incident occurred near Évian-les-Bains as McNulty, a rider for UAE Team Emirates, was on his way to the time trial start.

Team principal Mauro Gianetti confirmed the details, describing it as a road rage incident. He stated that a driver, described as a member of the public and not affiliated with the race, became upset while behind McNulty, overtook him, and then stopped his vehicle. McNulty subsequently collided with the car. Gianetti downplayed the severity, telling reporters that the rider was unhurt and that the incident was "nothing big," though he added "it was not nice." Following a medical check, McNulty was cleared to start his time trial as scheduled.

The stage proceeded as planned, a 26.1-kilometer individual time trial along Lake Geneva near the Swiss border. McNulty, the former U.S. time trial champion, started 19th overall, more than 50 minutes behind his teammate and race leader Tadej Pogačar. Pogačar entered the day with a commanding five-minute lead over his nearest rival, Remco Evenepoel,...