McNulty's 32km Solo Effort Ends 33-Year US Drought in Montreal

Key points

• McNulty won solo by 13 seconds, finishing in 6:17:04 after a 32km solo move with 35km remaining.
• Team USA executed a pre-planned strategy, with Quinn Simmons and Matteo Jorgenson supporting McNulty's attack.
• Tadej Pogačar was absent due to a crash at the 2026 Vuelta a España, opening the field for other contenders.
• Michael Matthews took second place, and Mathieu van der Poel finished third in the chasing group.
• The race was described as one of the most open in recent history, with 15+ riders having valid claims to victory.

Background

Montreal hosted the 2026 UCI Road World Championships with a new city-scale course finishing at Mount Royal. The event followed a revamped format including time trials and expanded non-circuit races. McNulty's victory ended a 33-year drought for the USA, with the last American winner being Lance Armstrong in 1993. The women's race saw Demi Vollering win the title, though she faced a UCI fine for a non-compliant bike position.

How outlets are covering it

Cyclingnews emphasized the chaotic nature of the race and McNulty's disbelief at his victory, noting the absence of defending champion Tadej Pogačar. USA Today highlighted the historic significance for American cycling, comparing McNulty to past champions Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong. Olympics.com focused on McNulty's personal redemption after his 2020 Olympic heartbreak, where he was dropped by Richard Carapaz on the final climb. Escape Collective detailed Team USA's pre-race strategy, with Mike Creed stating they aimed to have more than 10% of riders in the lead group, and Kevin Vermaerke noting the team's depth despite lacking outright favorites like Isaac del Toro or Paul Seixas.

Why it matters

McNulty's victory marks a historic breakthrough for US cycling, ending a 33-year drought and signaling a new era of competitiveness for Team USA. The win also highlights the impact of Tadej Pogačar's absence, which opened the field for other contenders. The strategic execution by Team USA, with riders like Quinn Simmons and Matteo Jorgenson supporting McNulty, demonstrates the growing strength of American cycling at the highest level. The victory also sets the stage for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where Team USA will aim to build on this momentum.

What to watch

Team USA will prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, with McNulty's victory serving as a foundation for future success. The UCI will review the women's race fine against Demi Vollering, and the cycling world will analyze the impact of Tadej Pogačar's absence on the men's race. Future World Championships will likely see increased competition from American riders, with Team USA's strategic approach serving as a model for other nations.