The Emirates News Agency reported that Brandon McNulty produced a strong sprint to take second place at the Coppa Agostoni on October 4. The American rider in the rainbow jersey joined a leading group that broke clear with approximately 93 kilometres to go and helped set the pace as the peloton failed to close the gap. A reduced sprint among six riders from the break determined the result with McNulty securing runner-up honours at the same time as the winner. The outcome came in his second race since claiming the world title the previous week.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG noted that McNulty had taken 10th place at the Giro dell’Emilia one day earlier in his first appearance as world champion. This runner-up finish represented an improvement and underlined the team’s active role in the Italian one-day race which traditionally runs to and from Lissone. The squad placed multiple riders in the key move that shaped the contest from 80 kilometres out.
Cycling reports placed the race distance at 169.4 kilometres with Paul Lapeira of Decathlon CMA CGM Team winning in a time of three hours 51 minutes 24 seconds. Lapeira’s success made him the first French rider to triumph in the event since Laurent Jalabert in 2002 according to European sports coverage. The breakaway held off all pursuit efforts from the main field throughout the final stages of the high-tension classic.
Season reviews show that UAE Team Emirates-XRG had amassed more than 70 victories by early September including the overall title and a stage win at the Tour of Britain through Tim Wellens and Nils Politt. The team’s strong 2026 campaign has featured successes across stage races and one-day events positioning it prominently in the UCI WorldTour standings. McNulty’s podium adds to that tally as the squad enters the final stretch of the calendar.
Results from the race listed Andrea Raccagni Noviero of Soudal Quick-Step in third place with Mauro Schmid of Team Jayco-AlUla fourth and Sam Maisonobe of Cofidis fifth all finishing on the same time. The front group had initially numbered around eight riders before the sprint selection with names such as Lorenzo Fortunato also prominent earlier in the move. McNulty’s bike throw proved decisive in claiming the silver medal spot for the Emirati team.
The squad outlined plans for a busy closing month of the 2026 season that includes further Italian classics along with events in Japan China and France. This result provides positive momentum heading into those competitions where McNulty’s form as world champion will be closely watched. Support from teammates throughout the Coppa Agostoni highlighted the depth available within the roster for late-season targets.
