The short version
- Brandon McNulty became the first American to win the men's world road race title since Lance Armstrong in 1993.
- The victory came after a solo breakaway on the final lap of the 273.4-kilometer course in Montreal, finishing 13 seconds ahead of Michael Matthews.
- McNulty, who previously won the Montreal Grand Prix in 2025, described his win as a miracle given his exhaustion during the closing stages.
Brandon McNulty has secured the men's world road race title in Montreal, marking a significant milestone for American cycling. The 28-year-old rider became the first US cyclist to claim this specific championship in thirty-three years, breaking a long-standing absence from the top step of the podium. His victory concludes a demanding season with a historic achievement that reshapes the narrative of American performance in elite international road racing.
The race itself was defined by its extreme length and the strategic errors made by many favorites. Covering 273.4 kilometers, the course demanded endurance over pure power. Many top contenders launched attacks too early in the event, dissipating their energy reserves before the decisive moments arrived. This tactical misstep allowed McNulty, who typically serves as a domestique and time triallist, to position himself for a late surge when others were depleted.
McNulty initiated his decisive move with approximately thirty kilometers remaining in the race. He established a substantial gap, building a lead of fifty seconds before entering the final lap. However, the physical toll of the effort became evident as he approached the last climb. His pace slowed visibly, and the chasing pack closed the distance significantly, reducing his advantage to just ten seconds at one point.
Despite the narrowing margin, McNulty managed to hold off the pursuit. He crossed the finish line thirteen seconds ahead of the main group, completing the course in six hours and seventeen minutes. Australian rider Michael Matthews finished second, while Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel took third place. The result underscores the unpredictability of such long-distance events, where timing often proves more critical than raw speed or tactical complexity.
The significance of this win extends beyond the immediate podium placement. The last American to win the men's world road race was Lance Armstrong in 1993. McNulty’s success therefore closes a thirty-three-year gap in US victories at this level. It also adds to his recent accomplishments, including his win at the Montreal Grand Prix in 2025, suggesting a peak form that aligns with major international competitions.
Other notable riders struggled to convert their early efforts into podium finishes. Britain’s Tom Pidcock finished seventh, Ireland’s Ben Healy placed tenth, and Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel came in twelfth. The absence of Tadej Pogacar, who was injured, removed a major favorite from the field, but the remaining contenders still provided intense competition. The race featured numerous breakaways and shifts in momentum under the changing autumn foliage of Montreal.
McNulty expressed disbelief at his performance after crossing the line. He noted that he did not believe he could win until the final eight hundred meters of the race. Citing extreme fatigue, he described the outcome as a miracle, acknowledging that while he sensed an opportunity, the physical demands were overwhelming. His reaction highlighted the sheer difficulty of maintaining a solo breakaway over such a long distance.
The victory is viewed as one of the standout moments of the cycling season. McNulty’s unassuming demeanor contrasts with the high-profile nature of the win, making his success particularly resonant. The race demonstrated that in events of this magnitude, conservation of energy and precise timing can outweigh aggressive early tactics. As the field looks ahead to future competitions, McNulty’s performance sets a new benchmark for American riders on the world stage.
Looking forward, this result may influence team strategies and rider development within the United States. It proves that American cyclists can compete at the highest level in endurance-focused events. The cycling community will likely analyze McNulty’s race tactics to understand how he managed his energy reserves so effectively. For now, the focus remains on a historic achievement that ends a long drought for US cycling.
The Montreal event served as a fitting backdrop for this dramatic conclusion. The challenging course and competitive field ensured that the winner would be determined by resilience rather than just speed. McNulty’s ability to endure the final climb and resist the chase exemplifies the qualities required for world championship success. His name is now etched into the history of American cycling alongside past champions.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗McNulty first US world road race winner in 33 years
