The 2026 UCI Road World Championships Elite Men’s Road Race in Montréal, Canada, ended with a historic victory for the United States. Brandon McNulty captured the rainbow jersey after making a decisive late move and riding solo to the finish. His victory gave the United States its first elite men’s road race world title since 1993 and capped a strong performance by the American team.
Brandon McNulty Wins the 2026 Men’s World Road Race Championship
Brandon McNulty of the United States became the 2026 UCI Elite Men’s Road Race World Champion after breaking away with roughly 32 kilometers remaining. The 28-year-old American maintained his advantage through the demanding final kilometers to secure the world title. Australia’s Michael Matthews finished second, while former world champion Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands took third.
McNulty’s victory adds another major achievement to a career that already includes a junior world title and victories in major professional stage races and time trials. He also became the first American man in 33 years to win the elite men’s road race at the World Championships.
Team USA Delivers a Strong Performance in Montréal
The American team played an important role in setting up McNulty’s winning move. Quinn Simmons and Matteo Jorgenson were active during the key selections, helping keep the United States represented as the race moved into its decisive phase. Simmons was part of the attacking action involving several of the race’s leading contenders, while Jorgenson made an important move before McNulty launched his winning attack.
The eight-rider U.S. squad also included Sean Quinn, Kevin Vermaerke, Artem Shmidt, Larry Warbasse and Riley Sheehan. Team USA ultimately placed three riders inside the top 10, highlighting the depth of the American squad on the Montréal course.
A Historic Day for American Cycling
McNulty’s victory marked the fourth U.S. win in the elite men’s road race at the UCI World Championships. Greg LeMond won the title in 1983 and 1989, followed by Lance Armstrong in 1993. McNulty’s 2026 victory ended the longest gap between American victories in the event and added his name to a short list of U.S. riders who have worn the elite men’s rainbow jersey.
Watch 2026 UCI World Championships Road Race Video Coverage
Watch video highlights from the 2026 UCI World Championships Elite Men’s Road Race in Montréal, featuring the major attacks, decisive selections and Brandon McNulty’s winning move. The video coverage provides a look at the final stages of the race and the American team’s performance as McNulty rode to the world championship title.
