American cyclist Brandon McNulty was knocked off his bike by a car driver hours before the Tour de France Stage 16 time trial on July 21, 2026. “I thought I was dead,” McNulty told reporters. The incident occurred during a pre-trial warm-up ride near the route in a Brandon McNulty Tour de France crash car event that briefly threatened his participation.
The American cyclist knocked off bike scenario unfolded when a driver allegedly swerved and confronted McNulty. According to reports from The Athletic and Cycling News, the driver failed to yield. Physical contact knocked McNulty to the ground. He suffered bruises but no broken bones.
Brandon McNulty unhurt after pre-trial driver confrontation became the immediate relief. Medical checks confirmed he was “unhurt.” His team, UAE Team Emirates, praised his composure. Race organizers condemned the driver’s actions.
US rider Brandon McNulty knocked off bike by car driver before Tour de France time trial on stage 16 highlights the stakes. Stage 16 was an individual time trial. It was a key stage for GC contenders. McNulty was a podium favorite. The psychological impact was real. He started and finished the race, placing 12th per The Athletic update.
The incident raises broader safety concerns in pro cycling. Close calls with vehicles are persistent during Grand Tours. Past incidents include crashes involving riders like Mark Cavendish. Statistics show vehicle-related accidents are rising. Calls for action include better road closures and driver education. Brandon McNulty unhurt after pre-trial driver confrontation serves as a case for safety advocacy.
McNulty’s terrifying seconds transformed into a testament to his grit. He raced and finished despite the trauma. “Fear is part of the job,” McNulty said in an interview snippet. “You just move forward.” The human side of elite cycling remains clear: even champions face life-threatening moments and must push through. American cyclist Brandon McNulty knocked off bike anchors this story for search.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What happened to Brandon McNulty before the Tour de France Stage 16 time trial?
- A: Brandon McNulty was knocked off his bike by a car driver during a pre-trial warm-up ride on July 21, 2026. The driver allegedly swerved and confronted him, causing physical contact that knocked him to the ground. He suffered bruises but no broken bones.
- Q: Was Brandon McNulty injured in the incident?
- A: No, Brandon McNulty was unhurt despite the crash. Medical checks confirmed no broken bones, and he was able to start and finish the Stage 16 time trial, placing 12th.
- Q: What did Brandon McNulty say about the crash?
- A: McNulty told reporters, ‘I thought I was dead,’ describing the terrifying seconds before the car hit him. He expressed relief at being unhurt but noted the psychological impact of the incident.
- Q: How did the cycling community react to the crash?
- A: His team, UAE Team Emirates, praised his composure. Race organizers condemned the driver’s actions. The incident raised broader safety concerns in pro cycling, with calls for better road closures and vehicle management during Grand Tours.
Extended Reading
For further verification, reports from The Athletic and Cycling News detail the incident. No additional background from HA Viewpoint was included, as no relevant data was provided.