Ryan Mullen's power, and abilities as a lead-out man, are obvious, but now with over a decade of experience in the top tier, he is a really valuable rider for NSN Cycling Team going into this Giro (Photo: Xavier Pereyron)
Ryan Mullen, now in his eleventh full season as a World Tour rider, has been selected for the Giro d’Italia to boost NSN Cycling Team’s stage win goals over the next three weeks, in Bulgaria and then Italy.
The 31-year-old is no stranger to the race, having already ridden it twice during his career. And the team will be hoping his experience, and sheer power in the lead-outs, can help Ethan Vernon and Corbin Strong secure success at La Corsa Rosa.
Mullen will also get the chance to show off his Irish TT champion's kit during the race as stage 10 to Massa is a 42km individual TT.
It will be the fourth Grand Tour of Mullen's career, having made his debut at the Giro for Trek-Segafredo back in 2018. He rode the Vuelta in 2022 – helping Sam Bennet to two stage wins during their Bora-hansgrohe days. Mullen also rode the Giro two years ago, for Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe.
Advertisement
The Irish rider will work alongside Jake Stewart, Nick Schultz and Dion Smith in supporting the two sprinters while Jan Hirt will target a top 10 overall. Alessandro Pinarello is an option for the team in the intermediate stages.
Related News
The sprint group, which dominates this selection, may get its first chance on the opening day of the race as that first stage into Burgas in Bulgaria on Friday is pan flat. And with two riders like Strong and, especially, Vernon, they have a significant chance of picking off a stage or two.
“We start the Giro in Bulgaria with ambition, targeting stage success with our leaders Ethan and Corbin,” said NSN sports director Dimitri Claeys. “Jan has already finished in the top 10 of the Giro twice and comes in well prepared, so we expect him to be in the mix for the top 10 again.
“After a very promising start to the season, we’re looking forward to seeing Alessandro’s progression. He will have opportunities to go for stage results on the medium mountain stages. With Jake, Ryan, Nick, and Dion, we have a very experienced core to provide strong support for the team.”
British rider Vernon said the Giro would be the first Grand Tour of his career that he starts with confidence, and fully backing himself, after four wins already this year.
“It was always the plan to do a lot of stage racing before the Giro and try to take as many wins as possible, and that’s gone really well this season, with four wins already coming into the race,” he said.
“I definitely believe I can compete for a victory. There’s already a big opportunity on stage one, which is extra motivation when the leader’s jersey is up for grabs. Stage one is a massive focus for me, but also stage three, and stage two for Corbin.
“For the team, it’s a really important first three days, with a chance to take pink — whether that’s me on stage one or Corbin on stage two. We’re super motivated and want to keep the winning momentum we’ve built this season.”
