TakeWorlds2 weeks ago
McNulty didn't out-climb the favorites in Montreal, he out-numbered them. Matteo Jorgenson policed the chase from inside while Isaac del Toro worked the front on McNulty's behalf. Evenepoel, Van Aert and Pidcock spent the final laps marking each other, not the American who'd already gone.
Tom Pidcock put it plainly afterward: «Del Toro was obviously working for McNulty in the end.» That single alliance turned an eight-man break into a chase the favorites couldn't organize — analysts had warned before the race that Belgium's dual-leadership plan with Evenepoel and Van Aert left little margin for tactical mistakes, and Evenepoel's two counters never had the legs to bridge back, finishing 12th at 25 seconds. USA needed one rider with support; the rest arrived with rivals instead of teammates.
Sources
'The lights went out' – No excuses for disappointed Remco Evenepoel and Wout van AertBrandon McNulty powers to a stunning solo victory at Montreal WorldsResults 2026 World Championships Men's Elite Road Race"Then it becomes a shitshow": Pundits warn Belgium against tactical mistakes with Evenepoel and Van Aert in Montréal
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