American cyclist Brandon McNulty secured a stunning victory in the men’s elite road race at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal, Canada, on Sunday, September 27. The 28-year-old launched a decisive solo attack with over 30 kilometers remaining in the grueling 273.4-kilometer course, ultimately crossing the finish line in 6 hours, 17 minutes, and 4 seconds.
His triumph marks a historic milestone for American cycling, making McNulty the first U.S. rider to claim the men’s road race world title in 33 years. The last American to wear the rainbow jersey in the event was Lance Armstrong, who won in Oslo in 1993.
“Until the last 300 meters, I really didn’t believe it, I was so tired,” McNulty said after the race. “I knew something could happen, but it would take a miracle. I guess today miracles happen.”
A Chaotic and Attritional Race
Without two-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar-who missed the event while recovering from a crash at the Vuelta a España-the race unfolded as a chaotic, unpredictable contest. The American squad played a tactical team game throughout the day, with Quinn Simmons and Matteo Jorgenson spending time at the front before McNulty made his decisive move.
McNulty built an advantage of over a minute entering the final two laps. As fatigue set in on the final climb of Mount Royal, his lead shrank rapidly to just 10 seconds. However, a fragmented chasing group failed to coordinate an effective response, allowing the UAE Team Emirates rider to hold his ground.
Podium and Top Results
Australia’s Michael Matthews crossed the line 13 seconds behind McNulty to capture the silver medal, while 2023 world champion Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands secured the bronze in a tight sprint finish.
2026 Men’s Elite Road Race Top Results
- Gold: Brandon McNulty (USA) – 6:17:04
- Silver: Michael Matthews (AUS) – +0:13
- Bronze: Mathieu van der Poel (NED) – +0:13
- 4. Quinn Simmons (USA) – +0:13
- 5. Isaac del Toro (MEX) – +0:14
- 6. Mads Pedersen (DEN) – +0:14
- 7. Tom Pidcock (GBR) – +0:14
- 8. Matteo Jorgenson (USA) – +0:14
- 9. Giulio Ciccone (ITA) – +0:14
- 10. Ben Healy (IRL) – +0:10
The victory provides sweet redemption for McNulty, who previously finished fourth in the time trial at the world championships and narrowly missed an Olympic medal near the finish line of the Tokyo 2020 road race. With the victory, McNulty earns the right to wear the prestigious rainbow jersey in races around the globe over the next year.
