It replaced the individual time trial event that had been held from 1912 to 1932 (and which would be reintroduced alongside the road race in 1996).

[2] Japan, Romania, the Soviet Union, and Vietnam each made their debut in the men's individual road race.

Noyelle made his break at the start of lap 17, taking an easy lead to win the race.

The bronze came down to a sprint between Ziegler and Victor, with the German winning to prevent a Belgian medal sweep.

Behind the lead pack, a bad crash in lap 9 resulted in about 20 cyclists falling, with many unable to continue due to damage to their bicycles.