McNulty first US world road race winner in 33 years

Brandon McNulty made history by becoming the first American to win the men's road race world title in 33 years, in a dramatic victory at the Montreal race. The 28-year-old finished 13 seconds ahead of the chasing pack, completing the challenging 273.4km course in six hours and 17 minutes. Australian Michael Matthews placed second, while former winner Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands finished third.

The last American to claim the title was Lance Armstrong in 1993. McNulty admitted he was initially skeptical of his chances, stating, "I m at a loss for words. I knew something could happen but it would take a miracle and I guess today a miracle happened." He launched an attack on the final 30km, leading by 50 seconds into the last lap.

Despite tiring on the final climb, the chasing group couldn't close the gap. Britain's Tom Pidcock, Ireland's Ben Healy, and Belgium's Remco Evenepoel also finished in the top ten. Even without the injured Tadej Pogacar, the 2026 Montreal race still boasted favorites who dominated the course. Van der Poel, Evenepoel, Wout van Aert, Paul Seixas, and Pidcock were among the influential riders, pushing to break away from one another under the Canadian maples.

However, it was McNulty's timing, not sheer power or skill, that proved decisive in claiming the historic win.