For the first time in 33 years, an American cyclist holds the title of road racing world champion.
Brandon McNulty stunned the field − and himself − by winning the title Sunday, Sept. 27, in Montreal, putting his hands on his helmet in disbelief after crossing the finish line with a time of 6 hours, 17 minutes and 4 seconds.
"I'm really at a loss for words. Until the last 300 meters I didn't believe it, I was so tired," McNulty said after race, according to Reuters.
The 28-year-old secured the first road world title for an American man since Lance Armstrong in 1993.
"We've said for weeks that we have a super strong team and that it's possible. We rode crazy well. We marked everything, had guys ahead," McNulty said.
"I knew something could happen
but it would take a miracle. I guess today, a miracle happened."
Australia's Michael Matthews was second and former world champion Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands was third.
McNulty, who won the Montreal Grand Prix last year, launched his attack with 32 km to go and held a 50-second lead heading into the final lap.
He struggled on the last significant climb and saw his lead shrink to 10 seconds with 10 km left but none of the chasers was able to take advantage, with Van der Poel leading an attack with 6.8 km to go that fizzled out.
The absence of two-time defending champion Tadej Pogacar, who is recovering from a crash he suffered last month, left the field open.
Without the Slovenian in the field, the race was chaotic and unpredictable throughout the 273.4-km course, which included 12 laps of a 13.4-km circuit that was packed with enthusiastic fans.
NO ONE COULD CATCH BRANDON McNULTY! 🌈
— UCI (@UCI_cycling) September 27, 2026
After attacking at kilometre 33, the American never looked back.
Brandon McNulty is the 2026 UCI Men Elite Road World Champion! 🇺🇸🥇#Montréal2026 pic.twitter.com/KR67M7WOsU
McNulty had not been among the pre-race favorites – unlike former world champion Remco Evenepoel or young talents Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas.
Now he'll get to wear the rainbow jersey for the next 12 months.
Armstrong congratulated McNulty on his victory.
"Congratulations @BrandonMcNult on winning the World Championship in Montreal today," Armstrong posted on social media.
"Hands down the most exciting race of the year and a deserved winner. A thing of beauty."
Contributing: Reuters
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American Brandon McNulty wins 'miracle' cycling world championship
