US rider Brandon McNulty was hit by a car on his reconnaissance of the Tour de France time trial ahead of stage 16 on Tuesday.
The UAE Emirates-XRG rider was riding the 26km course from Évian-les-Bains to Thonon-les-Bains when a car unrelated to the race knocked him to the floor.
Team principle Mauro Gianetti confirmed McNulty had been knocked off and told The Athletic: “He was just riding his bike with one car behind him. A normal car, we don’t know who they are.
“And when he (McNulty) overtook, he just stopped the car, and Brandon was unable to prevent himself riding into it.”
Gianetti initially said it was unclear if McNulty would be fit enough to start the time trial this afternoon. He said: “I hope so. I’m still waiting for the confirmation of the doctor.”
He later told broadcaster TNT that McNulty’ injuries were not serious.
The 28-year-old Pheonix native is currently sat 19th on GC and will be expected to be a key domestique for team leader Tadej Pogačar in the mountains in the race’s third week.
More to follow…
