Team Pursuit (4,000 metres), Men

The French team was considered the strongest in this event. It was led by Robert Charpentier, who would win the individual road race in Berlin, and Guy Lapébie. The latter’s brother, Roger Lapébie, won the Tour de France in 1937 after finishing third in 1934. Together, Charpentier and Guy Lapébie made France the favorite, although Italy had won the gold medal at the last four Olympics. Guy Lapébie would place second in the Berlin road race, but would later turn professional and post numerous wins as a pro, as well as placing third at the 1948 Tour de France.

Thirteen (13) teams started, with the semi-finals matching France against Germany, and Italy against Great Britain. Germany was no match for the French team, losing by over 12 seconds. In the second semi, Italy narrowly defeated the British team. The final was close for several laps, but the French gradually pulled ahead, and won six seconds. The bronze medal race was also close, but Great Britain edged out the Germans for third place. It was the third consecutive bronze medal in the event for Britain, and they would continue this streak thru 1956, winning six consecutive bronze medals.