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Brandon McNulty: I don't feel burdened by the rainbow jersey, I just feel like I'm trying to honour it

Brandon McNulty has quickly embraced the responsibilities and freedoms that come with wearing the rainbow jersey, just 12 days after his triumphant world championship win in Montreal. The UAE Team Emirates rider has already donned the world champion’s jersey in four races—Giro dell’Emilia, Coppa Agostoni, Tre Valli Varesine, and Gran Piemonte—where he has been a dominant force, launching aggressive attacks in each.

Speaking ahead of Il Lombardia, McNulty downplayed any added pressure, emphasizing that the jersey simply gives him confidence to race boldly. He acknowledged the unique dynamics of late-season Italian Classics, which are often more open, and noted that Tadej Pogačar’s injury has further reshaped the competition and team hierarchy.

While McNulty confirmed he will prioritize supporting teammate Isaac Del Toro in Il Lombardia, he stressed that UAE Team Emirates remains committed to aggressive racing, even with a clear leader in place.

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