American cyclist Brandon McNulty claimed the men’s road race world championship title in Montréal on September 27, 2026, launching a decisive attack from a select group of contenders and holding off a late chase to secure the rainbow jersey. McNulty crossed the finish line alone after dropping his breakaway companions in the final kilometers, capping a tactical race that dismantled the peloton on the local circuit.
Breakaway Dynamics and the Early Selection
The race’s opening hours featured a large early breakaway holding a maximum advantage of just over eight minutes, anchored by riders Biniam Girmay and Andreas Leknessund. According to race reports, that gap evaporated once the peloton hit the local circuit and accelerated under heavy pacing from Frenchman Bruno Armirail. With roughly 90 kilometers remaining, the race split decisively when Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Primoz Roglic, Oscar Onley, Anthon Charmig, and Quinn Simmons broke free.
Van der Poel launched an acceleration with 74 kilometers to go, shedding all initial companions except Simmons and Onley. Roglic bridged the gap a lap later, while Isaac del Toro drove the chase behind, a pursuit that eventually distanced top favorite Remco Evenepoel. Van der Poel continued to force the pace, eventually dropping Onley before the group was briefly reassembled thanks to Del Toro’s efforts.
McNulty’s Decisive Attack
Shortly after the groups merged, Brandon McNulty made his decisive move. The 28-year-old American capitalized on having two compatriots in the chasing group to disrupt organization, quickly establishing a one-minute lead. Despite repeated attacks from Tom Pidcock and others in the chasing group, coordination broke down, allowing McNulty to maintain his advantage to the line.
Behind the lone leader, Michael Matthews outsprinted Mathieu van der Poel for the silver medal, leaving Van der Poel with the bronze—matching his result from the world championships two years prior. Speaking in his post-race flash interview, McNulty expressed disbelief at his victory. „I know it really not, I’m completely confused,” the 28-year-old said, adding that „we’ve been saying for weeks that we have a super-strong team and that it’s possible.”
Brandon McNulty wins gold at the 2026 UCI World Road Race Championship
Who won the 2026 UCI World Road Race Championship in Montréal?
American rider Brandon McNulty won the gold medal in the men’s road race on September 27, 2026.
Who finished on the podium alongside Brandon McNulty?
Michael Matthews of Australia finished second to claim the silver medal, while Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands took the bronze medal.
What was Brandon McNulty’s reaction to his victory?
In his post-race interview, McNulty stated he was completely in the war and could barely believe he had won after a hard-fought race involving a strong American squad.