Brandon McNulty Makes History: First American to Win World Road Cycling Championship in 33 Years
In a breathtaking display of endurance and strategy, Brandon McNulty has etched his name into the annals of cycling history. In a stunning performance at the World Road Cycling Championships in Montreal, McNulty became the first American man in 33 years to secure the gold medal in the senior road race, ending a drought that stretched back to the early 90s.
A Masterclass in Strategy: The Road to Victory
The 170-mile course in Montreal provided a grueling test for the world’s elite cyclists. However, it was McNulty’s tactical brilliance that defined the race. With approximately 20 miles remaining, McNulty launched a decisive attack from an eight-man leading group, breaking away from the pack with a burst of speed and determination.
Despite the intense pressure to reel him in, the 28-year-old American held his lead, crossing the finish line 13 seconds ahead of Australia’s Michael Matthews. The podium was rounded out by the powerhouse Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel, who claimed the bronze medal.
Ending the 33-Year Drought
McNulty’s victory is more than just a personal achievement; it is a historic milestone for USA Cycling. He is only the third American man to ever win the world road race title, joining the legendary ranks of:
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- Greg LeMond: Winner in 1983 and 1989.
- Lance Armstrong: Winner in 1993.
Before McNulty’s triumph, no American man had even secured a medal of any color in this event since 1993, making this win a pivotal moment for the sport in the United States.
Drama and Disappointments in Montreal
While McNulty celebrated, other favorites faced tougher days. Belgian star Remco Evenepoel, who finished 12th, missed out on a historic “double” (winning both the road race and time trial in the same year). Evenepoel has dominated time trials in 2023, 2024, and 2025, but the road race crown remained elusive.
Furthermore, the cycling world missed the presence of Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar. The five-time Tour de France champion was forced to withdraw from the championships after sustaining serious, season-ending injuries during a crash at the Vuelta a Espana on August 29.
Women’s Road Race: Demi Vollering Dominates
The excitement extended to the women’s category, where the Netherlands continued its dominance. Demi Vollering secured her first world title after a grueling 4-hour and 45-minute race. Vollering, who has already tasted victory at the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, outsprinted Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney to take the gold.
Women’s Final Standings (Top 5):
- Gold: Demi Vollering (NED) — 4:45:09
- Silver: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (POL) — +0:00
- Bronze: Elisa Longo Borghini (ITA) — +0:44
- Marlen Reusser (SUI) — +0:08
- Juliette Berthet (FRA) — +0:39
American favorite Kristen Faulkner, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist, finished in a respectable 21st place.
Looking Ahead: LA28 and the Griffith Observatory
As the cycling world looks toward the future, excitement is building for the LA28 Olympic Games. In a thrilling announcement, officials revealed that the road cycling events will culminate at the iconic Griffith Observatory. This landmark will serve as the backdrop for the world’s best athletes to compete for Olympic glory in 2028, promising a visually stunning finish for the global audience.
