Pogačar hails the 'King of Montréal', but McNulty already has a plan for 2027: 'Maybe Tadej will have to ride for me'

McNulty joined UAE in 2020, and since then he has mostly worked for the most dominant rider of his generation, taking his own chances when they came. As a key helper in the mountains, he has contributed to three of Pogačar's Tour de France wins and to one-day victories such as Milan-San Remo.

Pogačar is recovering at home from his crash in the Vuelta a España, so he watched McNulty take his jersey from a distance. Speaking after the race, the American said he hoped his leader had enjoyed it, according to Cycling Weekly. "I hope I made [Tadej Pogacar] proud by keeping the jersey in the team," McNulty said. "I hope he enjoyed watching."

Pogačar had already answered on social media. He had worn the rainbow stripes for the previous two years, and his post was short and warm.

Pogačar posted a photo of the two of them crossing the line together at last year's GP de Montréal. McNulty won that day with Pogačar right beside him, though many said the Slovenian chose to 'give away' the victory to his teammate.

However, Cyclingnews notes that McNulty first raced the GP Montreal in 2018, as a 20-year-old, finishing 16th. Earlier this month he was third there behind his teammate Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas, so the nickname fits.

At the press conference, a journalist asked McNulty about Pogačar's message and whether the roles would now be reversed. The new world champion laughed at the question. "Maybe Tadej will have to ride for me a few days."

Pogačar has big plans for 2027, so it is clear that McNulty will ride for his Slovenian team leader next year while wearing the world champion's jersey. But his win means the rainbow jersey stays with UAE Emirates XRG for a third consecutive year.

We can then expect an odd picture in 2027. ProCyclingUK describes McNulty's usual job at the Tour de France as setting a brutal pace on mountain stages for Pogačar, thinning the group down to a handful of contenders, then pulling off once his leader attacks. The site also notes that the rainbow jersey will not make him a rider UAE builds its whole Tour campaign around, as long as Pogačar is available.

McNulty's record shows he can win when given the chance, including a Giro d'Italia stage in 2023, a Vuelta stage in 2024, and overall victory at the Tour de Pologne and the GP de Montréal in 2025.

The American will get his first chance to race in the rainbow jersey soon. He told Cyclingnews he is scheduled to start the Giro dell'Emilia with UAE next weekend, followed by a block of Italian races. The first days when Pogačar actually works for him will have to wait at least until next season.