Brandon McNulty wins solo world road title in chaotic Montreal race, first US elite champion since 1993

# How McNulty won

McNulty said, "Until the last 100m, I didn't believe it, I was so tired. I was just dying, but I kept pushing. We have said for weeks now that we had a super strong team. We talked about it, but I knew it would take a miracle. I guess miracles happen." Those were his words at the finish, reflecting the unexpected nature of the win.

# Race shape and tactical chaos

Van der Poel's accelerations repeatedly reshaped the race, isolating some contenders and causing constant regrouping. Belgium's race was disorganised at critical moments, and Remco Evenepoel, who had won the time trial earlier in the championships, was unable to convert pre-race favouritism into victory.

# The chase and why it failed A chasing selection formed as the leading group's advantage grew. France's Paul Seixas and Mexico's Isaac del Toro were among riders who organised pursuit efforts. Tom Pidcock animated the final hour, at one point reducing McNulty's advantage to only a few seconds, but the chasers never fully closed the gap.

# Podium and notable riders

Mathieu van der Poel took third. Tom Pidcock finished among the key animators of the finale. Several prominent figures — including Primož Roglič, Oscar Onley and Quinn Simmons — featured in significant moves during the decisive phases.

# Context and immediate fallout McNulty succeeds Tadej Pogačar as world champion and becomes the first American to win the elite men's road race since Lance Armstrong's 1993 victory in Oslo. The title is the biggest triumph of McNulty's career to date.

The race followed the equally dramatic women's road race the day before, won by Demi Vollering. That edition produced its own controversy when Vollering received a fine and points deduction for a non-compliant racing position, although results stood.

# What this means next McNulty's victory changes the professional landscape by placing an American rider back in the rainbow jersey after a 33-year gap. For teams and riders, the finish underlined how radio-free racing and fractured group dynamics can create openings for bold, long-range attacks. The result will be discussed in tactical briefings for months, particularly the interplay of individual strength and disorganised chasing.