Brandon McNulty wins 2026 road world title in Montreal solo

Brandon McNulty of the United States won the elite men's road race at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal on Sunday. The UAE Team Emirates rider attacked solo with 32 kilometres remaining and held off the chasing favourites over the final laps of the Mont Royal circuit.

McNulty crossed the line 20 seconds ahead of a reduced peloton. Michael Matthews of Australia took silver and Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands bronze after outsprinting Quinn Simmons for third place. The race covered 273 kilometres with more than 3,800 metres of elevation gain.

“In the final metres I couldn't believe it. I don't know what to say. The last climb of Mont Royal, I thought I was going to die on the bike.”

McNulty became the third American man to wear the rainbow jersey after Greg LeMond (1983, 1989) and Lance Armstrong (1993). His trade teammate Isaac del Toro had been among the favourites marking each other in the final kilometres, allowing McNulty's move to gain critical time.

French hope Paul Seixas, who had been prominent in the lead group earlier, faded to 16th place. The 19-year-old told France TV after the finish that he had suffered cramps and mismanaged his nutrition and hydration, calling it a "beginner's mistake."

Canada's Guillaume Boivin animated the early breakaway on home soil but was absorbed before the decisive circuits. Michael Woods rode his final professional race for the host nation. Tadej Pogacar did not start after a season-ending crash at the Vuelta a Espana.