American cyclist Brandon McNulty secured a surprise victory in the men’s road race at the World Championships in Montreal, launching a solo attack in the closing kilometers to claim the rainbow jersey. McNulty capitalised on a moment of hesitation among the leading contenders to slip away from the group and cross the finish line alone, ending a decades-long drought for the United States in the event.
How Brandon McNulty Secured the World Title in Montreal
When the main group of favorites looked at each other rather than organizing a chase, McNulty launched a decisive attack that immediately distanced him from the tired leading pack. According to race reports, he quickly built a thirty-second advantage over his pursuers.
Despite a frantic late push from the chase group, which managed to narrow the gap down to eight seconds in the final kilometers, persistent indecision among the remaining contenders allowed McNulty to maintain his lead. He crossed the finish line solo to claim the victory, marking the first time an American has won the men’s world road race since Lance Armstrong took the title in 1993.
Mathieu van der Poel Animates the Race
Dutch Mathieu van der Poel animated the championship by repeatedly attacking from distance, forcing a grueling selection on the punchy climbs of the Montreal circuit. Van der Poel had entered the race in strong form but downplayed his status as the top favorite due to a course that favored different physical characteristics than his winning effort at the 2023 World Championships.
That move eventually splintered, leaving Van der Poel, Onley, and Simmons at the front before the move was eventually neutralized with roughly 34 kilometers left to race. Following McNulty’s winning surge, Van der Poel attempted a counter-attack but ultimately had to settle for third place, winning the sprint behind Australian runner-up Michael Matthews.
Evenepoel later conceded that he simply lacked the legs on the day, noting that the strongest rider won the race.
Worth a look