Fritz Ruland was one of four German road cyclists participating in the first ever mass start of the Olympic road race at Berlin in 1936. Shortly before the finish line he had a flat tyre and it is unknown whether he finished the race or not. Also in 1936 Ruland won “Rund um Berlin” and “Rund um die Hainleite” road race and finished third at the German Road Championships, which qualified him for the Olympics. After the Games he turned pro and started the 1938 Tour de France but withdrew during the second stage. It was his only appearance in the race. He rode until 1947 and then retired.
Germany