Brandon McNulty held off the chase. The American cyclist began the final lap of the elite men’s road race at the World Championships with a 52-second lead over the favorites.
Incredibly, he maintained his lead over the 273,4 kilometers raced in Montreal. He crossed the finish line in 6:17:04 and won gold.
Michael Matthews and Mathieu van der Poel arrived 13 seconds later and sprinted for second place: the Australian finished second and the Dutchman third.
Such a demanding sport can wear down the body to an unimaginable degree. The tension, the wind in the face, the pressure involved in every decision all wear down the body.
And the result is plain to see. Many were surprised to learn that Brandon was 28 years old, when his face easily looks about 40, with the mustache adding to it.