All four of the road races were contested over the same Beijing Road Cycling Course, which featured a very steep climb near the finish of the loop. The various events consisted of differing numbers of laps over the course. Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara won the individual time trial. A time trial specialist, he would repeat as champion in the same event in 2016. The men’s road race went to Spain’s Samuel Sánchez, who was known as one of the top descenders in the pro peloton. Britain’s Nicole Cooke won the women’s road race while American Kristin Armstrong won the individual time trial. Armstrong’s victory was considered somewhat of an upset, but she would also win the event in 2012 and 2016.