McNulty takes victory and overall lead in Croatia

Brandon McNulty took his 8th victory of the year on a rain soaked finish to stage 3 at the CRO Race in Croatia today.

The American showed his quality and determination to attack 41km from the line, initially being joined by Kim Heiduk (Ineos) before going solo to build over a minute lead on the main peloton.

 
Due to strong winds and a road closures, the start was moved from Otocac to Novi Vinodolski, making the stage 64.5 km shorter than initially planned.

The time for the GC was taken at the entrance of the finish circuit, at 11.5 km from the finish.

Igor Arrieta was second to cross the line at 34” to take home an impressive 1-2 for the Emirati outfit which now sees McNulty put on the red leaders jersey heading into stage 4.

McNulty : “Today was a really good day , I felt strong. Things were a bit confusing with the race shortened but I found myself in a move off the front and just decided to push on. Then the gap held and kept going for the stage and managed to keep the margin. I’m really happy with the race and hopefully we can defend the lead until the end.”

Stage 3 results

1.Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) 1:47:23

2.Igor Arrieta (UAE Team Emirates) +34”

3.Tobias Lund Andresen (DSM Firmenich) s.t

General classification after stage 3 

1.Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) 1:47:23

2.Giovanni Lonardi (Polti Kometa) +30”

3.Tobias Lund Andresen (DSM Firmenich) s.t