Cyclist Brandon McNulty takes surprise world title, bronze for Mathieu van der Poel
Brandon McNulty secured his first world championship title in Montréal after a successful solo breakaway in the final 35 kilometers of the race. Mathieu van der Poel claimed the bronze medal, while Michael Matthews took silver following an aggressive race that saw multiple early attacks.
American cyclist Brandon McNulty claimed a surprise world championship victory in Montréal, successfully holding off the field after launching a solo attack with 35 kilometers remaining. McNulty, who rides for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, took over the title from his teammate Tadej Pogacar, who was sidelined following injuries sustained at the Vuelta a España. His tactical decision to break away caught the peloton off guard, allowing him to build a decisive one-minute lead that he maintained through the final local laps.
Mathieu van der Poel finished with the bronze medal after a spirited effort that saw him initiate an aggressive attack more than 90 kilometers from the finish line. Although Van der Poel was eventually caught, he remained competitive throughout the race. In the final sprint, Michael Matthews secured the silver medal ahead of the Dutchman. This victory marks the most significant achievement of McNulty's professional career, building on his previous success at the GP de Montréal.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.