American cyclist Brandon McNulty knocked off bike by car before Tour de France time trial

American cyclist Brandon McNulty has been knocked off his bike in a collision with a car after reconning Tuesday’s Tour de France time-trial route.

The UAE Team Emirates XRG rider was returning to the start of Tuesday’s 26 kilometer course in Évian-les-Bains when the incident occurred, on roads open to the public.

Speaking to The Athletic, UAE team principle Mauro Gianetti confirmed McNulty had been taken down: “He was just riding his bike with one car behind him. A normal car, we don’t know who they are.

“And when he (McNulty) overtook, he just stopped the car, and Brandon was unable to prevent himself riding into it.”

Asked whether McNulty would be fit to start the time trial later this afternoon, Gianetti was unsure. “I hope so. I’m still waiting for the confirmation of the doctor.”

He later confirmed to broadcaster TNT that the team’s doctor had said any injuries suffered by McNulty were “nothing big.”

McNulty, who lies 19th in the general classification after 15 stages, is due to start Tuesday’s stage at 16:40 CET.