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"With Tadej on the team, we have the best rider in the world, but..." - UAE confirm McNulty's interest for 2027 Tour

Cycling
Collage_TadejPogacarBrandonMcNulty
Brandon McNulty has won the 2026 Montréal World Championships and has earned himself a spot closer to the top of the ranks at UAE Team Emirates - XRG. In an interview with Daniel Benson, team manager Joxean Matxín Fernández has confirmed the American is also keen on returning to the Tour de France.
"We’ve discussed next year, and Brandon is keen to return to the Tour de France," the Spanish manager said. This summer, McNulty rode in aid of Pogacar at the Tour, proving to be a quality domestique in all terrains.
It is not the first time he supported the Slovenian at the Grand Boucle, having been an important piece of his victory back in 2021; whilst his performances in the Pyrenees at the 2022 Tour edition will live on in the memory of many.
McNulty, a classics specialist and time trialist, has won the Montréal World Championships as a result of his endurance, climbing power and also ability to sustain long-range moves. At the Tour, his tactical knowhow may not be as important as in the one-day races, but he would always be an important part of the Emirati team.
"I’ve always considered Brandon one of the best riders in the world," Matxin added, with the triumph in Canada proving the American's ability beyond the expectations of many.
Remco Evenepoel and Brandon McNulty ahead of Il Lombardia 2026
Brandon McNulty with the rainbow jersey at Il Lombardia
"With Tadej on the team, we have the best rider in the world, but Brandon still wants to be part of the Tour squad," Matxín confirmed.
"We’ll talk more in December—not just about the Tour, but about other Grand Tours as well." The team's media day will take place on the 18th of December, the day after the goals and schedules of Team Visma | Lease a Bike will be revealed.

Might McNulty get freedom at a Grand Tour in 2027? 

Matxin's words however hint at potentially more than just a supporting role at a Grand Tour. Isaac del Toro enjoyed a work-free Tour de France this summer as Pogacar dominated the Tour de France.
The same could potentially happen next summer, but with the American instead. "Look back at the 2025 Giro d’Italia: Isaac Del Toro and Juan Ayuso were the designated leaders, but later in the race, Brandon got his own chance. He wasn’t there solely to ride for others".
The 2027 Tour is time trial heavy, favouring the American if there is an attempt to finish amongst the best in the race. A presence at the Giro d'Italia, potentially even in a leadership position, could also come to be.
What is certain is that the amount of leadership opportunities McNulty will have in 2027 will be superior to what has been the case thus far. "We spoke after the Tour of Lombardy, and he will definitely serve as a leader for us in stage races," he assured.
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