Rally Cycling signed Junior World Time Trial Champion Brandon McNulty. The 18-year-old is a promising up-and-coming rider and has already proven to be a factor in the domestic peloton.
In addition to his rainbow jersey, McNulty amassed a palmarés that includes Junior Nations’ Cup races, two national individual time trial titles and a team time trial national title with the Lux Development Team.
McNulty capped his junior career last month in the Junior World Time Trial Championship in Dubai, Qatar, where his winning time of 34:42.29 was 35 seconds faster than second place and would have placed him third in the U23 category.
“The learning opportunities are really what led to me sign with Rally Cycling,” said McNulty. “One thing Rally Cycling has to offer that strictly U23 teams don’t is the opportunity to race with and learn from guys who have been professionals for a long time. They have a tremendous amount of experience and it is a great opportunity to learn from some of the best riders in the peloton.”
With his move to Rally Cycling, McNulty graduates from the Lux Development Team. The California-based U19 team is managed by former Olympic medalist, professional rider and U.S. National Team coach Roy Knickman. In addition to a domestic program, the team has an extensive race schedule with races in Belgium, Austria and Germany.
“I have been working with Brandon since 2014,” said Knickman. “He had good results that year and proved to be a very easygoing yet disciplined young man. When I looked at what was behind his performances, I realized there was still a large amount of potential and improvement possible if he was given the right resources and guidance. The sky is the limit for Brandon … One day he’ll be ready for a Grand Tour.”
Rally Cycling will provide McNulty with a balanced program that will help him reach his potential. He will have the option to race in Europe with Rally Cycling and will also have access to a full North American calendar. At just 18 years old, the focus will be on his development as a rider and person. The team will work closely with his coach to assure that he isn’t pushed too hard in his first year as a senior.
“We have kept an eye on Brandon since we started supporting the Lux Development Team a few years ago,” said Performance Manager Jonas Carney. “While our program is not a ‘development’ team, we have a lot of experience nurturing young riders. Brandon is a big talent, and it’s important that he learns as much as possible over the next couple years so that he is fully prepared for a career in Europe. Our program … offers him stability, a positive environment and the opportunity to learn from experienced riders like Danny Pate, Rob Britton, Brad Huff and Evan Huffman.”
