The event was won by Mario Zanin of Italy, the nation's second victory in the men's individual road race and third consecutive Games in the top two.

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] The Republic of China, Hong Kong, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Thailand each made their debut in the men's individual road race.

"[2] The course ran into Hachioji, across the Asakawa Bridge, to Sanyu Corner, then northwest to Tobuki Cross with a detour to Takatsuki Terminal, then back south to Takao station again.

It was a shorter version of the team time trial course, which went out to the Hino Bridge before looping back to Sanyu Corner.