World Champion Brandon McNulty and U.S. National Champion Quinn Simmons Bring Winning Momentum to 43rd El Tour de Tucson

The 43rd El Tour de Tucson is gearing up for an extraordinary cycling celebration on Saturday, November 21, 2026, as reigning UCI Elite Men’s Road World Champion Brandon McNulty and U.S. National Road Champion Quinn Simmons join 11,000 cyclists for America’s largest charity cycling event.

Both riders also capped their titles with remarkable World Tour wins on October 18. McNulty powered to a solo victory at Italy’s Veneto Classic, his first wearing the iconic rainbow jersey since becoming world champion in September. On the same day, Simmons closed his international racing season with a win at the prestigious Japan Cup.

McNulty, a Phoenix native and winner of the UCI Road World Championships in Montreal in September, makes his first major U.S. appearance outside of a World Tour race at El Tour. He will be joined by Simmons, the USA National Champion, marking a rare concurrent World and National Championship pairing at America’s largest charity cycling event.

McNulty and Simmons highlight the rising strength of USA men’s cycling, with Americans Simmons and Matteo Jorgenson finishing in the top 10 at Worlds.

“Brandon is bringing the World Championship home to Arizona,” said TJ Juskiewicz, executive director of El Tour de Tucson. “This is a huge get for El Tour, and we appreciate them joining us. What a great way to celebrate their victories – in El Tour. Our cyclists can say they rode with world champions at El Tour.”

Additionally, they will be participating in the El Tour Prologue Camp, an all-inclusive camp experience during the week leading up to El Tour.

Media access during Prologue Camp is limited and by invitation. Journalists may observe or join portions of the camp and speak with both riders away from race-day crowds. Opportunities include a short ride day and one-on-one interviews.

World-Class Champions, Shared Roads

McNulty and Simmons bring an exciting new dimension to this El Tour. Both are among the most accomplished American cyclists competing internationally, and at El Tour, they’ll be sharing the roads with recreational riders, charity fundraisers, families, and cycling enthusiasts. For El Tour participants, it’s a rare opportunity to ride alongside two reigning champions wearing cycling’s most recognizable jerseys: McNulty in the rainbow stripes of the world champion and Simmons in the stars and stripes of the U.S. national champion.

El Tour gives them the opportunity to connect with fans, inspire the next generation, and celebrate the sport beyond professional competition. Their appearance highlights what makes El Tour so special: the world’s best cyclists and everyday riders coming together on the same roads, united by a love of cycling and a commitment to give back.

A Celebration of Cycling, Community, and Giving Back

El Tour’s celebration of McNulty and Simmons adds to an event already known for its remarkable community spirit. For Tucson, it’s an opportunity to welcome cyclists from across the country and around the world. For participating nonprofits, it’s an important opportunity to raise awareness and to support their missions. And for thousands of riders, it’s a chance to challenge themselves, share an unforgettable experience, and make a difference.

The El Tour Prologue Camp

Ahead of the November 21 event, McNulty and Simmons will also participate in the El Tour Prologue Camp, an all-inclusive camp experience during the week leading up to El Tour. The Prologue brings cyclists together with World Champions in support of youth cycling initiatives.

A portion of Prologue Camp fees supports youth-focused organizations including El Tour’s Bikes for Change initiative, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, the Tucson Velodrome, and El Grupo. The main event offers distances from the 102-mile Century to shorter and family rides.

About El Tour de Tucson

El Tour de Tucson, produced by El Tour America, is the premier charitable road cycling event in the world, featuring riders of all abilities, ages and backgrounds. Founded in 1983, it has raised neary $140 million for local, national, and international nonprofits with a powerful platform for charitable fundraising and community engagement. Every rider has a story, Every mile has a meaning. And every year, thousands of cyclists come to gather to support something bigger than themselves.

To join El Tour this year, visit eltourdetucson.org