American Brandon McNulty powered to victory in the second-stage time trial at the UAE Tour on Tuesday to take the overall lead.

His UAE Team Emirates teammate Jay Vine was just two seconds slower in second place, with Mikkel Bjerg rounding off a clean sweep of the podium for the home team.

McNulty's win helped him take Monday's first-stage winner Tim Merlier's spot at the top of the overall standings, with Vine now 2secs back in second.

"It's really good to win this stage. As for myself, I kind of exceeded where I wanted to be, plus the team has done great. I could see during my race the speed was really good, so I followed the plan for pacing," McNulty said.

"I was definitely nervous on hot seat, really anxious I can say but it pays off. We knew some good riders were coming at the end, so it's been a relief when it was all over and I'm super happy. The team has put a lot of efforts in developing the material, not only for the TT, it's good to see that it pays off in the time trial.

"Today's result gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the Olympics. After some good results last year, I've been trying to focus more on TT looking at Paris. Having three wins already this year puts me super high but this is another level than Valencia. It's huge to make the top 3 as a team, it's a good performance and show for our sponsors. I don't think it changes our plans too much. Adam [Yates] is still our best climber, it's a good position for all of us."

UAE team leader Adam Yates, the 2020 winner, was 28secs slower in 16th place in windy conditions at Hudayriyat Island.

"The wind certainly affected the race," said McNulty. "We decided to go among the first starters and it paid off."

Wednesday's third of seven stages is a 176km ride from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais.