[2][3] The event was won by Jacobus van Egmond of the Netherlands, the nation's second victory in the men's sprint.

France made the podium for the third consecutive Games, with Louis Chaillot taking silver.

The small field included only one rider who had medaled at a World Championship: Bruno Pellizzari of Italy, who finished third in 1930.

The repechage was a single heat of three cyclists; the top two advanced to the quarterfinals while the third-place rider was eliminated.

Pellizzari pushed Chambers out to the edge of the track, resulting in a protest by the British side.

[2] Pellizzari had inside position for the last lap and a half, but van Egmond was able to beat him easily.

[2] Gray declined to compete in the bronze medal race, deciding to saving himself for the time trial later in the day (which he won).

Van Egmond led the entire third race and was able to hold off Chaillot's attack to win by a wheel.