UAE Team Emirates made a sensational clean sweep of the podium in the UAE Tour’s Stage 2 individual time trial at Hudayriyat Island on Tuesday.
Brandon McNulty led the first three home and that success also gave him the general classification leaders’ red jersey after clocking 13 minutes 27 seconds on the 12.1-kilometre circuit.
His teammates Jay Vine and Mikkel Bjerg filled the second and third spots, two and four seconds behind the winner, respectively.
McNulty was one of the early starters in the time trial after Ineos Grenadiers’ Elia Viviani was first to go.
The 2016 Olympic gold medallist clocked 14.49 but was soon overhauled with McNulty setting up the best time, which remained good until the end.
“Looking at the forecast we thought it was better to start early,” the American said.
“It looked like the wind would pick up a little bit throughout the day. It paid off to start first, I guess.
“Personally, it's been a good race. I wasn't sure how I was feeling. But I had good speed during the whole TT. The team put so much emphasis on the time trial set-up that we have the whole top three.
“It's huge for me. I had my first GC win a couple of weeks ago and now my first World Tour time trial.
“It's hard to say if I will win overall. We have a hard day tomorrow and Jebel Hafeet for the conclusion. Adam Yates [UAE Team Emirates teammate] is always one of the best on this climb so we have a good position as a team.”
Later, at the post-race press conference, McNulty said: “As for myself, I kind of exceeded where I wanted to be, plus the team has done great.
“I could see during my race the speed was really good, so I followed the plan for pacing. I was definitely nervous on hot seat; really anxious I can say but it pays off.
“We knew some good riders were coming at the end, so it’s been a relief when it was all over and I’m super happy.
“The team has put a lot of effort in developing the material, not only for the TT, it’s good to see that it pays off in the time trial.”
McNulty believes the result has given him a lot of confidence ahead of the Paris Olympics.
“After some good results last year, I’ve been trying to focus more on TT than looking at Paris,” he said.
“Having three wins already this year puts me super high but this is another level than Valencia. It’s huge to make the top three as a team, it’s a good performance and show for our sponsors. I don’t think it changes our plans too much. Adam is still our best climber, it’s a good position for all of us.”
Among the other GC contenders, Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Quick-Step), Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious), Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) and Yates, all finished well in the top 16 and within 30 seconds of McNulty.
Wednesday’s gruelling 176km Ras Al Khaimah Stage 3 from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais is the first of the two mountain climbs, and it may see another change in the GC order.
Stage 2 results
1. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Team Emirates, 13min 27sec
2. Jay Vine (AUS) UAE Team Emirates at 2"
3. Mikkel Bjerg (DEN) UAE Team Emirates) at 4"
General Classification
1. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Team Emirates
2. Jay Vine (AUS) UAE Team Emirates, at 2"
3. Mikkel Bjerg (DEN) UAE Team Emirates, at 4"
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About Krews
Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: January 2019
Number of employees: 10
Sector: Technology/Social media
Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support
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Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Scores in brief:
Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).
