McNulty makes rainbow jersey shine with dominant solo in final race of 2026

Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) soloed to his first victory in the rainbow jersey in his final race of the 2026 season at the Veneto Classic in Italy on Sunday. 

The world champion made a crucial selection in the middle portion of the race before pushing clear alongside the in-form Anthon Charmig (Uno-X Mobility).

The duo worked together over the next 20km to keep the chasers at bay and ensure that the victory would be decided amongst themselves.

McNulty made his bid for glory on the Diesel Farm gravel sector with 10.7km remaining, attacking Charmig and quickly opening a significant advantage. 

Over the final 10km, the world champion expanded his lead over the Dane, leaving him with more than enough room to savour his first victory in the rainbow jersey in Bassano del Grappa.

Charmig fought valiantly to take second, 1:05 behind the world champion, while McNulty’s teammate Pavel Sivakov (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) rounded out the podium at 1:30, in what is expected to be the Frenchman’s final race for the Emirati team.

“It’s super nice. It’s special to win in the jersey but I wanted to try and win one race before the end of the year in it. Today’s the last day to do it, so I’m really happy,” McNulty said post-race.

“I think when you’re in the jersey like this, you’re watched by everyone so it’s a bit different. But the team is super strong and did everything.”

“Where I went was the hardest climb of the day, and I knew I had to go as hard as I could there. It worked well, so perfect.”

McNulty's victory at the Veneto Classic draws to an end a strong opening period in the rainbow jersey, including a second-place finish at the Coppa Agostoni and fifth place finish at Il Lombardia. 

The world champion is now looking forward to some well-deserved rest before gearing up for a full campaign in the rainbow jersey.

"The next month we have some team camps and a lot of other stuff and we try to just enjoy some time off and then back to the racing full gas next year," he concluded.