Brandon McNulty: First GC win in Valencia the perfect boost ahead of UAE Tour

As starts to the season go, I’m not sure I could’ve envisaged a better start to 2024. Securing my first GC (general classification) victory with UAE Team Emirates is an ambition I’ve had for a while now.

It’s what pushed me during each season, inspired me during each off season, and been a consistent goal which I’m incredibly proud to have now achieved. It’s a brilliant confidence boost for me as I look to kick on in 2024.

I came into the race following a good week in Mallorca and knew I had good legs. After a somewhat quiet start to the race, it really came alive on Stage 4 at the top of the steep final climb to Alto del Miserat. It was a tough ascent and we had to really manage the attacks against a strong duo of Aleksandr Vlasov and Santiago Buitrago.

Those guys are a bit smaller than me and were trying to drop me on the steeper sections of the climb, but when it started to flatten out, I tried to use my power to drop them and ultimately timed the attack to perfection.

Heading into the climb, I knew it would be a good moment to attack on the sections that levelled out. So when I attacked and the two guys hesitated to respond, it was then my job to really distance them, press on to the finish line, and leave absolutely nothing left in the tank. I probably caught them by surprise which always helps!

Heading into the fifth and final stage, I had a lead of 13 seconds which may sound a lot, but one mechanical problem or getting caught in a split can eat into that time dramatically. We had to really work together on that stage and be on our toes to manage any attacks or dangerous breakaways.

The boys did an excellent job in defending my lead and keeping me out of trouble, so this was another example of the talent,