Between the French cyclists was silver medalist Giordano Turrini of Italy, extending that nation's streak of top-two results in the event to six Games.

Trentin had been favored in 1964, but both had lost in the semifinals and Morelon had won the bronze medal match between them.

Coming into Mexico City, Morelon was favored with Trentin expected to challenge him in the final.

[2] Barbados, Belize, Lebanon, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and Thailand each made their debut in the men's sprint; West Germany competed separately for the first time.

Jan Jansen matched the Olympic record at 11.10 seconds for the last 200 metres in the eighth heat of round 1.