Tour de Romandie stage 3: Brandon McNulty wins rainy time-trial as Juan Ayuso takes over race lead

The Tour de Romandie saw a very important day today, as the rainy time-trial created meaningful differences in the overall classification. Thibau Nys couldn't defend the race lead, which passes on to Juan Ayuso; as Brandon McNulty took the stage win.

The 15.5-kilometer long time-trial could be a key day for the overall classification. With an uphill start and downhill finish, alongside small gaps present, the GC was expected to change quite a lot with Thibau Nys wanting to save his yellow jersey. 

The first strong time at the finish was set by Johan Price-Pejtersen, and soon after Brandon McNulty crossed the finish line 24 seconds faster after he lost contact in the fight for the overall classification. The weather was going to favour him on the day, but his time stood strong rivals.

The likes of Magnus Sheffield and Felix Grossschartner rode to second and third on the day and their times were also early in the day; 12 and 14 seconds behind the time of the American.

When the top GC riders rode through the course, the wet roads made a big difference outside of the uphill sections. Juan Ayuso was fourth on the day; whilst Carlos Rodríguez, Aleksandr Vlasov and Ilan van Wilder also finished on the Top10 and become the closest rivals to the Spaniard.

Luke Plapp struggled and lost significant time against the clock but he was not the only one. A few riders struggled with the conditions, Thibau Nys also lost quite a bit of time but managed to enjoy a day in the yellow jersey.