A heartwarming win here from McNulty and also for Australia’s Michael Matthews who took the silver. Matthews had been coping with embolisms on his lungs over the past two years and as he got back to cycling at the start of this season broke both his wrists in a training crash!
And of course Ms Vollering also took a a fine win in the women’s race from Ms Niewiadoma in the final metres.
I have enjoyed the races on Saturday and Sunday very much. The track apparently suited a lot of different riders, which resulted in exciting races.
When it comes down more to individuals rather than big teams the racing is very different from the big Tours. Riders reluctant to put in a shift chasing the leader and expecting someone else to sacrifice themselves doesn’t generally work!
Exciting race. McNulty got away but I thought he was going to blow up with 10k to go. Pidcock attacking again and again but couldn’t break free. I think the absence of team radios generally adds to the chaos in a good way.
Bruce
I think the lack of team radios was pretty key really. You had to be aware on the road rather than ‘reigning’ a breakaway at a certain point. I agree that McNulty just made it but I’m glad he managed to win. He has been the support for a while and he didn’t stop fighting. That said, I’m really pleased for Matthews. It has been a really tough couple of years for him.
And Pidcock did keep poking but couldn’t quite do it. Next time maybe.
I think you are right and it was good to see individuals and I think we miss them on the Tours. Every so often they appear but seem to then have to tow the team line. One misses Voeckler and will miss Alaphilippe!