Brandon McNulty's Ascent to World Championship Contender Status

The Unexpected Opportunity: McNulty's Moment to Shine

Pogačar's Absence: A Shift in Dynamics

The cycling world was stunned by the news of Tadej Pogačar's crash at the Vuelta a España, which left him with significant injuries and ruled him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. This unforeseen event not only reshaped the landscape of the Vuelta, allowing Enric Mas of Movistar to claim victory, but also created a void at the Road World Championships in Montréal, where Pogačar was expected to defend his title. His withdrawal has opened up the competition, leading many to re-evaluate potential champions beyond the usual favorites.

Team USA's Golden Opportunity

With the reigning champion out, the American squad now finds itself in its strongest position in decades to vie for the World Championship title. Among the promising talents, Brandon McNulty stands out as a prime candidate. His recent performances and consistent strength suggest he is more than just a dark horse; he is a genuine contender.

Mimicking Success: The Montréal Blueprint

Pogačar has historically dominated challenging, hilly races like Milan-San Remo, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Strade Bianche, and Il Lombardia. The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, which shares significant topographical similarities with the World Championships course, offers a crucial insight. Although Pogačar has won the GP Montréal twice, it was his teammate, McNulty, who triumphed there in 2025, demonstrating his capability on such terrains.

McNulty's Decisive 2025 Victory in Montréal

In 2025, McNulty initiated the decisive breakaway 36 kilometers from the finish, joined by Quinn Simmons and Louis Barré, alongside Pogačar. Despite Pogačar’s attempt to further split the group, McNulty's relentless pursuit saw him bridge the gap to his teammate, culminating in a shared victory. While some might consider it a team gesture, McNulty's performance unequivocally marked him as one of the strongest riders, capable of outperforming all but Pogačar himself.

A United American Front

The 2025 GP Montréal was a remarkable day for American cycling, with Simmons securing third place and Neilson Powless finishing fourth after a breakaway. These three riders, along with Matteo Jorgenson, Kevin Vermaerke, Larry Warbasse, Artem Schmidt, and Sean Quinn, will form a potent Team USA at the World Championships on September 27. Their collective strength, especially after McNulty and Simmons’ recent podium finishes in Montréal, positions them as a formidable force.

The Grueling Montréal Course: A Test of Endurance

The World Championship road race utilizes the identical city circuit as the GP Montréal, characterized by the demanding 1.6-kilometer Voie Camillien-Houde climb within Mount Royal Park. This relentless course, devoid of any truly flat sections, presents constant challenges that hinder cohesive chases, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful breakaways. Historically, the winning groups in post-pandemic GP Montréal editions have been small, underscoring the race’s attritional nature.

The Demands of the Course: High Fatigue Resistance and VO2 Max

Victory on this course demands an exceptional blend of fatigue resistance and peak VO2 max power. Many riders can sustain high power outputs for short bursts, but few can maintain that intensity after five grueling hours of racing. McNulty has repeatedly demonstrated this rare ability, particularly in the last two GP Montréal events, where he not only matched Pogačar’s pace but also undertook significant work, initiating the winning move and bridging gaps in the final stages.

Comparing Courses: GP Montréal vs. World Championships

While similarities exist, crucial differences between the 209-kilometer GP Montréal and the 273-kilometer World Championships course must be noted. The Worlds race includes a 100-kilometer flatter section before the 12 laps of the city circuit, in contrast to GP Montréal's 17 laps starting immediately with the Voie Camillien-Houde. This distinction means early breakaways at the Worlds will likely form on the flats, a critical factor given the increased chance of successful breaks on this unforgiving circuit.

McNulty's Advantage: Peak Form at the Right Time

Despite a roster of elite contenders like Remco Evenepoel, Wout van Aert, Isaac del Toro, Paul Seixas, and Mathieu van der Poel, McNulty’s consistent performances often go unnoticed due to his role supporting Pogačar since joining UAE Team Emirates in 2020. However, a significant advantage for McNulty is his demonstrated ability to peak in late September. While many riders face burnout or waning motivation, McNulty's successful 2025 season, which included victories at the Tour de Pologne, GP Montréal, Tour de Luxembourg, and CRO Race, culminating in late September and early October, indicates his readiness. His recent podium finish at GP Montréal further solidifies his top form for the September 27 World Championships road race.

A Collaborative American Strategy for Victory

Instead of competing against each other, Simmons and McNulty will unite forces at the World Championships. With the added support of Jorgenson, Vermaerke, and other strong American riders, the team possesses a legitimate chance to secure the coveted rainbow jersey. This collective strength and McNulty's peak condition make him a compelling candidate to seize this unprecedented opportunity.