It was Belgium's first victory in the men's individual road race since 1952 and second overall, tying France and the Soviet Union for second-most behind Italy (five).

Azerbaijan, the Dominican Republic, Kosovo, and Laos each made their debut in the men's individual road race.

Favorites heading into the race were Alejandro Valverde, Vincenzo Nibali, Chris Froome, Joaquim Rodríguez and Julian Alaphilippe.

[2] If Froome had won gold, he would have become the first person to ever win Tour de France and the cycling road race in the same season.

Starting at Fort Copacabana,[4] the peloton headed west to pass through Ipanema, Barra, and Reserva Maripendi Beaches via the coastal road leading to the 24.8 km (15.4 mi) Pontal / Grumari circuit loop.

[6] As with all road races in the Olympic Games, the athletes are escorted by law enforcement to keep traffic and bystanders out of harm's way.