Even ever stoic McNulty surprised by tough ride in CRO Race: "It was hard for me too"

It was quite a day for Brandon McNulty. The UAE Team Emirates rider, one of the big favorites for the GC, did not take advantage of stage four but of the shortened third stage to make a breakthrough. A solo of almost fifty kilometers was good for a beautiful stage victory in the bleak conditions and the leader's jersey.

Afterward, the man from America appeared on camera to talk about his day. "It was a strange day; the GC went upside down today. I saw an opportunity when there was some movement and just went. I jumped to the guy from INEOS Grenadiers and started riding at my own pace. On the climbs, that worked out well. I kept it up."

McNulty likes a little rain, but suffered in soaking wet Croatia

Then, the weather. It was bad in Croatia, and the day's winner knew it. "I don't know if this weather is really for me. I know I can handle it well, but it was also hard for me." McNulty doesn't have to think about the overall victory just yet, he said philosophically: "I guess I won't think about tomorrow until tomorrow. It will be a tough day; let's see if we can defend the lead."

The calendar for the new cyclo-cross season is now online! Check it out here. Or check out our general calendars for the remainder of the season for the men and women's races.