UAE Team loses domestique Brandon McNulty to illness

American cyclist Brandon McNulty, a key teammate for Tour de France leader Tadej Pogačar, abandoned the race on Thursday, July 23, succumbing to illness during a punishing mountain stage. His withdrawal deals a significant blow to the UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad as it heads into the final, decisive days of the competition.

McNulty struggled from the outset of Stage 18, a 185-kilometer route from Voiron to the Orcières-Merlette ski resort. He was dropped on the first climb, the Côte d'Engins, and spent much of the day riding near the back of the race alongside the broom wagon, the official vehicle that follows riders in danger of missing the time limit. With approximately 40 to 50 kilometers remaining, the American officially stopped riding. Team officials confirmed his withdrawal was due to illness, citing a sore throat.

His exit compounds a difficult week for the team and for McNulty personally. Just days earlier, on Tuesday, July 21, he was involved in a frightening road incident while returning from a reconnaissance of the Stage 16 time trial course in Évian-les-Bains. According to team manager Mauro Gianetti, a motorist allegedly overtook McNulty, cut in front of him, and...