In a professional cycling landscape often defined by short-term contracts and frequent team hopping, Brandon McNulty has opted for a rare level of stability. The American rider has signed a significant contract extension with UAE Team Emirates-XRG, ensuring that his tenure with the squad will now extend past the decade mark.
The new agreement secures McNulty’s place on the roster through the end of the 2030 season. This long-term commitment makes him one of only five riders currently signed to the team through 2030, joining an elite group that includes superstar Tadej Pogačar, Jan Christen, Adrià Pericas and Pablo Torres. By extending his stay, McNulty will remain with the outfit through his 32nd birthday, marking a total of 11 seasons with the organization.
This Brandon McNulty contract extension is more than just a business arrangement; It’s a testament to the growth of a rider who joined the team as a prodigious talent and evolved into a versatile powerhouse. Having arrived in 2020 from Rally UHC, McNulty has become one of the longest-serving members of the squad, surpassed in seniority by only six other riders, including Pogačar.
For the 28-year-old, two-time U.S. Time trial champion, the decision to stay is rooted in a sense of belonging. “It’s a nice prospect to continue racing with UAE Team Emirates-XRG for the foreseeable future,” McNulty said. “I’ve been with the team for several years now, and it’s a place where I’ve been able to grow a lot as a rider and as a person.”
From Prodigy to Pillar of the Squad
McNulty first entered the professional orbit as a high-ceiling prospect. At 21, he arrived at UAE with a resume that already hinted at world-class potential, including a victory at the Giro di Sicilia and a bronze medal in the under-23 time trial at the 2019 World Championships. Even as many young riders struggle with the transition to the WorldTour, McNulty’s trajectory has been one of steady, calculated ascent.
Over the last few years, he has transitioned from a supporting role to a winner in his own right. His recent form has been particularly striking, with 15 of his 22 career wins coming in the last two seasons. This surge in success includes high-profile victories at the GP de Montréal and the Tour de Pologne, as well as critical stage wins at both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España across 2023 and 2024.
Despite his individual success, McNulty remains an essential lieutenant for Pogačar. He played a pivotal role in Pogačar’s 2021 Tour de France victory and more recently provided a decisive pull on the Cipressa climb to help propel the Slovenian to victory at Milan-San Remo.
“We came back just at the bottom of the Cipressa, I went as hard as I could to get to the front and then I didn’t see in the front, but I could hear on the radio that it was crazy. It’s always an honour to ride for him. After [Montréal], it was definitely nice to repay him,” McNulty said following the Milan-San Remo victory.
The Strategic Impact of Long-Term Stability
The decision to sign through 2030 provides a level of psychological and professional security that is uncommon in the peloton. In an era of “super-teams” and aggressive recruitment, UAE Team Emirates-XRG is signaling a desire to build a core identity around a consistent group of riders rather than relying solely on the transfer market.
McNulty noted that this stability provides a foundation for further ambition. “We’ve achieved some great things together, and I sense like I have the right balance here, I feel at home. Signing through 2030 gives me a lot of confidence and motivation to keep working hard and reaching goals with this team,” he added.
The extension allows McNulty to focus on his peak years without the distraction of contract negotiations. With 22 wins to date and a burgeoning ability to win in diverse terrains—from time trials to hilly classics—he is positioned as a primary tactical asset for the team’s ambitions in the Grand Tours and one-day monuments.
| Period/Event | Key Achievement/Status | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | U23 World Championships Bronze | Pre-UAE transition |
| 2020 | Joined UAE Team Emirates-XRG | Transferred from Rally UHC |
| 2021 | Tour de France Support | Aided Pogačar’s victory |
| 2023-2024 | 15 Career Victories | Most successful racing spell |
| Through 2030 | Contract Extension | Total 11 seasons with team |
Looking Ahead: The Return to the Tour
The immediate future for McNulty involves a return to the sport’s biggest stage. After a four-year absence, he is set to rejoin Pogačar’s support squad at the Tour de France this summer. This return marks a full-circle moment for the American, returning to the race where he first proved his worth as a world-class domestique.
Currently, McNulty is continuing his competitive rhythm while racing at Itzulia Basque Country. His recent results, including a fifth-place finish at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana, suggest he is entering this summer window in strong physical condition.
As he moves toward his 30s, the focus for McNulty will likely be balancing his role as a super-domestique with his own aspirations for victory. With the security of his contract extension, he is well-positioned to navigate that duality within a team that clearly values his versatility and loyalty.
The next major checkpoint for McNulty and UAE Team Emirates-XRG will be the start of the Tour de France this July, where the synergy of this long-term core will be put to the ultimate test.
Do you consider long-term contracts like this are the future of pro cycling, or does it limit a rider’s leverage? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
