Montreal 2026: Brandon McNulty wins road race world title
Brandon McNulty became the first American to win the men's road race world title in 33 years, completing the 273.4km Montreal course in 6 hours 17 minutes.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Brandon McNulty secured America's first men's road race world title in 33 years.
- He crossed the finish line first at Montreal 2026 in 6 hours and 17 minutes, 13 seconds clear.
- Australia's Michael Matthews finished second, with the Netherlands' Mathieu van der Poel in third.
- Lance Armstrong was the last American to win the race back in 1993.
Brandon McNulty delivered a stunning performance to become the first American winner of the men's road race world title in 33 years, triumphing in Montreal. The victory marks a historic milestone for US cycling, echoing Lance Armstrong's previous win in 1993.
The 28-year-old cyclist completed the grueling 273.4km course in six hours and 17 minutes, crossing the finish line 13 seconds ahead of the chasing pack with his hands on his head in sheer disbelief. Although McNulty visibly tired on the final climb and his lead shrank to just 10 seconds, the chasing pack failed to reel him in before the finish line.
Australia's Michael Matthews secured second place, while former champion Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands finished third. Further down the standings, Britain's Tom Pidcock placed seventh, Ireland's Ben Healy finished 10th, and Belgium's Remco Evenepoel took 12th position.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
World championship road cycling relies heavily on tactical timing rather than sheer power alone. McNulty, traditionally known as a time triallist and domestique for star riders like Tadej Pogacar, capitalized on a bold long-range attack entering the final 30 kilometers. His ability to sustain a solo breakaway while rivals exhausted themselves early highlights how strategic race execution often outclasses raw favorites in monument-style cycling events.
Even without injured riding legend Tadej Pogacar, the Montreal 2026 field featured heavyweights like Van der Poel, Evenepoel, Wout van Aert, Paul Seixas, and Pidcock. Despite their efforts to animate the race beneath yellowing Canadian maples, it was McNulty's impeccable timing that ultimately secured him a legendary victory in one of the season's finest races.
Source: BBC Sport
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