McNulty claims 1st Grand Tour stage win, Armirail stays in Giro lead ahead of decisive Dolomites

American cyclist Brandon McNulty won the 15th stage of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday for his first victory in a Grand Tour while Bruno Armirail kept hold of the leader's pink jersey as the race prepares for a dramatic and decisive final week.

McNulty, who rides for UAE Team Emirates, edged out Ben Healy and Marco Frigo at the end of the tough 195-kilometre route from Seregno to Bergamo.

"I'm stoked. This was my goal coming here," McNulty said. "I wanted a stage win but I got sick in the time trial.

"I wanted to finish solo but luckily I managed to win even in a sprint ... Let's hope this win adds to the team's motivation on GC with Joao Almeida."

Two-man challenge, three-man challenge, two-man challenge. A breath-taking last kilometre crowns the King of Bergamo