‘I physically couldn’t anymore’ - McNulty explains Tour de France exit
Brandon McNulty said a seemingly minor cold developed into severe illness within two days, leaving him physically unable to continue the Tour de France during stage 18. His departure adds to the concerns surrounding Tadej Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad ahead of the decisive stages in the Alps.
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Brandon McNulty has opened up about the illness that brought his Tour de France to a premature end, describing how his condition deteriorated rapidly before he abandoned the race on stage 18.
The American was dropped early in the stage to Orcières Merlette and spent more than 50 kilometres riding alone near the back of the race. He continued until he was no longer physically capable of turning the pedals, becoming the first UAE rider to leave this year’s Tour.
“What seemed like a small cold two days ago turned into suffering more than I thought possible just to make it through yesterday,” McNulty wrote on Instagram on Thursday night. “Today, I pedalled until I physically couldn’t anymore.”
Despite the disappointment, the 28-year-old looked back warmly on his time in the race and praised the teammates he had supported from the Grand Départ in Barcelona to the first stage of the Alpine finale.
“From Barcelona to, well… the start of the Alps, it’s been an amazing Tour, and I’m beyond thankful to have been part of this group,” he wrote.
McNulty also backed his UAE teammates to complete the job over the final three days, with Pogačar still firmly in control of the yellow jersey.
“I wish the UAE Team Emirates boys the best of luck over the next three days to bring this thing home. No matter what happens, we’ll still arrive in Paris together to celebrate.”
His message prompted an immediate response from Isaac del Toro, who wrote: “Thanks for all Brandon, we miss you already.” Nils Politt also showed his support by leaving a heart beneath the post.
McNulty’s departure comes at a difficult moment for the Emirati team. The team dominated much of the opening two weeks, but several of Pogačar’s key support riders have shown signs of illness or physical discomfort since the second rest day.
Adam Yates lost more than 25 minutes on stage 17 after reportedly becoming ill, while Tim Wellens acknowledged that he had been dealing with a sore throat and other cold symptoms. Wellens finished stage 18 close to the time limit, raising further doubts about how much support he can provide in the mountains.
Florian Vermeersch has also been affected by injury, leaving Isaac del Toro, Felix Großschartner and Nils Politt as Pogačar’s most reliable remaining helpers ahead of the Alpe d’Huez stages.
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