Young talent from Team UAE, Ayuso, claims the top spot in Tour De Romandie

American rider Brandon McNulty claimed victory in the Tour de Romandie third stage individual time-trial on Friday, showcasing his exceptional skills on the road. The UAE Emirates rider’s impressive performance was made even more significant as his teammate Juan Ayuso secured the overall lead ahead of the crucial Queen stage in the high mountains scheduled for Saturday.

McNulty’s triumph in the 15.5km time-trial was a testament to his talent and determination, especially considering he completed the course before the rain started pouring down. Expressing his joy after the race, the American rider stated, “Yeah it’s my first win here so I’m very happy, I had a good day and was lucky to go before the bad weather.”

Meanwhile, Belgian rookie Thibau Nys, who held the overnight lead, struggled in the time-trial after his strenuous efforts in a lengthy escape the previous day took a toll on him. This allowed the 21-year-old Spanish sensation Ayuso to seize the yellow jersey and position himself as a strong contender to clinch the Tour de Romandie title, overshadowing even his esteemed teammate Tadej Pogacar.

Ayuso’s commanding performance in the time-trial propelled him to the top of the overall standings, with Ilan Van Wilder trailing by just seven seconds and Alexandr Vlasov in third place, 10 seconds behind. The top five was completed by Carlos Rodriguez and Lenny Martinez, with the latter expressing his satisfaction with his fifth position and his prospects for the upcoming mountain stage.

Looking ahead to the challenging mountain stage on Saturday, Ayuso emphasized the importance of his time advantage and his readiness to defend the coveted yellow jersey. “I suffered, but I took some risks and I’m in a good position to defend the jersey now,” he remarked, showcasing his determination to maintain his lead in the grueling mountain terrain.

The upcoming stage to Leysin promises to be a thrilling battle, featuring five climbs, including two categorized ascents and a demanding 14-kilometer long final climb to the finish line with an average gradient of six percent. The top three finishers in this stage will also earn valuable time bonuses, adding an extra layer of excitement to the race.

As the Tour de Romandie unfolds, the competition is heating up, with emerging talents like Ayuso and McNulty showcasing their potential to dominate the cycling world. With the high mountains looming large and the race for the yellow jersey intensifying, fans can expect an exhilarating showdown as the riders push their limits to secure victory in this prestigious event.