The race took place on Sunday 27 August 1989, in Chambéry, France over a distance of 259.35 kilometres (161.15 mi).

[1] 190 riders started, there were 42 classified finishers, and the winner's average speed was 38.33 km/h (23.82 mph).

[2] The race was won by Greg LeMond of the United States.

By winning the race, LeMond achieved two cycling doubles: This was his second World Championship road race win, following his victory at the 1983 event.

He was also the World Championship road race and a Grand Tour winner in the same year, after his success at the 1989 Tour de France.