12-Hours Race, Men

The race was a mass start which began at 7:20 AM (0720). The starting time is disputed, with the following times seen: 5 AM (0500); 7:30 AM (0730); 6 AM (0600); and 7 AM (0700), with the Official Report giving 0600. Pacemakers were allowed. The weather was noted to be the worst of the Olympics, with cold, wind, and rain. Snow was noted on the mountains outside of Athens. Rowing events, which were scheduled for this day, had to be cancelled. This was the last event held at the Games of the Ist Olympiad.

Early in the race, Adolf Schmal, who was better known as a fencer, jumped the field and gained a lap early, lapping the Greeks at 5 laps, the German at 7 laps, and Keeping at 10 laps. He then rode with the pack until one by one the riders dropped out. At 1200, the two remaining riders, Schmal and Keeping, took a 10 minute break. Schmal rode directly behind Keeping’s wheel throughout, never allowing himself to be dropped, and won by the one lap that he had gained early in the race. Keeping made occasional bursts to regain the lost lap, but to no avail. On the last lap, Schaml opened a small gap over Keeping, in addition to the extra lap gained.