McNulty Breaks 33-Year Drought for USA Cycling in Montreal
Brandon McNulty won the 2026 UCI Road World Championships men's road race in Montreal, becoming the first American to claim the title since Lance Armstrong in 1993. The 28-year-old rider from Phoenix, Arizona, finished 13 seconds ahead of the chasing pack after a 273.4 km course that included 12 laps of a challenging circuit. His victory was the result of a coordinated team strategy by the USA squad, which prioritized collective success over individual glory. Matteo Jorgenson and Quinn Simmons executed key tactical roles, with Jorgenson neutralizing late attacks and Simmons following early breakaways. The race was notably open due to the absence of defending champion Tadej Pogačar, allowing multiple contenders to contest the lead before McNulty launched his decisive attack with 32 km remaining.
Key points
- Brandon McNulty won the elite men's road race at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal, ending a 33-year drought for American winners.
- The race covered 273.4 km with 3,578 meters of climbing, including 12 laps of a demanding circuit in Montreal.
- McNulty finished 13 seconds clear of the chasing pack, with Michael Matthews second and Mathieu van der Poel third.
- Team USA employed a selfless strategy, with Matteo Jorgenson and Quinn Simmons executing specific tactical roles to support the winner.
- The absence of Tadej Pogačar contributed to an open race, with at least 15 riders considered potential winners at the start.
Background
The 2026 UCI Road World Championships took place in Montreal, Canada, featuring a 273.4 km men's road race with significant climbing. Team USA had previously competed in other international events, including the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, where they also pursued team success. The men's race was notable for its length and the strategic coordination required from national teams.
How outlets are covering it
Escape Collective emphasized the pre-race planning by Matteo Jorgenson and the team's commitment to a selfless strategy, highlighting the role of Quinn Simmons in following early moves. BBC Sport focused on the historic nature of the win and the open nature of the race due to Tadej Pogačar's absence, noting the strong performances of other favorites like Wout van Aert and Remco Evenepoel. USA Cycling detailed the tactical execution, including Jorgenson's neutralization of late attacks and the specific timing of McNulty's move with 32 km remaining. All sources agreed on the significance of the win for American cycling but differed in emphasis: Escape Collective on strategy, BBC on the race's openness, and USA Cycling on the team's collective effort.
Why it matters
McNulty's victory marks a historic moment for American cycling, ending a 33-year gap since the last American world champion in the men's road race. It highlights the effectiveness of team strategies in international competition and the potential for American riders to compete at the highest level. The win also underscores the importance of collective effort and tactical planning in long, demanding races.
What to watch
Team USA will likely continue to emphasize collective strategies in future international competitions. McNulty's success may inspire further investment in American cycling programs. The UCI Road World Championships will be followed by other major cycling events, where Team USA may apply similar tactical approaches.
- How Team USA won Worlds before it started Escape Collective
- ‘I guess miracles happen’: How Brandon McNulty became the United States’ first world champion in 33 years The New York Times
- UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty becomes first American winner in 33 years BBC
- Brandon McNulty and Team USA Take Historic World Title… USA Cycling
- Pidcock says Del Toro was 'working for McNulty' at Worlds. Is that actually true? Escape Collective
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