Rally Cycling announced its first major re-signing for 2019 Wednesday with 2016 Junior World Time Trial Champion Brandon McNulty.
“Rally Cycling offers me a low-pressure environment to continue to grow and develop and lay the foundations of a lengthy career in the sport,” McNulty said. “It’s tough when you have some of the biggest teams offering you a spot, but for me, I think it’s best to have another year to develop and improve. After all, I’m still only 20 years old, so there’s no rush to be at the highest level of the sport.”
The Phoenix native turned heads on stage four of this year’s Dubai Tour when he stormed the WorldTour peloton with a solo attack, caught just 50 meters from the finish line in Hatta Dam.
McNulty followed up his performance by placing fourth on stage six of the Amgen Tour of California en route to finishing seventh overall. The results speak to his ascendancy on cycling’s world stage.
As Rally is entering its second year in the professional continental ranks and an ever-expanding European schedule.
“I think the highlight of this year for me is seeing the whole program grow and prove that we belong in the European pro peloton,” said McNulty. “We were able to get some solid results early this season in Europe and California, and then the guys finished off the year with a huge win in Norway, and the KOM jersey in Germany. It was all really cool to see and be a part of.”
Team Director Pat McCarty said retaining McNulty was best for all sides. A former WorldTour rider himself, McCarty said he understands the importance of rider development.
“Irrespective of his tremendous talent, Brandon is still a young rider that needs to make the right steps at the right time,” McCarty said. “With our program growing the way we are, we will provide the best next steps for him next season. Brandon really likes the team and all of his teammates as well.”
McCarty pointed to the unique culture within Rally as a big draw for young talent.
“Our intention has always been to put a group of riders together that work and get along with each other,” McCarty said. “We’re trying to keep the program all North American, and we always try to keep the harmony with the core group of riders and new recruits. Even with WorldTour offers, it’s hard to deny we’re still the best fit for Brandon.”
McNulty’s final team races for 2019 include the WorldTour races of Grand Prix Cyclistes de Quebec on Sept. 7 and Grand Prix Cyclistes de Montreal on Sept. 9.
He then sets his sights on the UCI Road Cycling World Championships taking place in Innsbruck, Austria from Sept. 22 to 30. McNulty will represent Team USA and look to improve on his silver medal ride in the U23 time trial from a year ago.
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