Road Race, Men

Italy’s Ercole Baldini was the heavy favorite. In 1954 he had broken the world amateur record for the hour ride, and earlier in 1956 had won the World Championship in the individual pursuit. The course was a fairly hilly ride of 11 laps of a 17.0665 km. course, with two large climbs that both peaked at 12% grades, the second of which over a full kilometre as the riders turned onto Pascoe Vale Road. The race was delayed when three Irish nationalists attempted to start the race. Officials removed them and they then joined 200 supporters in passing out Irish nationalist literature.

Baldini always rode near the front of several breakaways, and on the 8th lap, he dropped everybody and rode the final 50 km. on his own, winning by almost two minutes. After his victory his victory was protested by the French and British, claiming he had been assisted by the photographer’s car. The protest was dismissed. Later in the year, Baldini broke the world hour record, shortly after turning professional. In 1958 he won the Giro d’Italia for his major victory as a pro. He had a solid professional career, but never quite realized the hopes of the Italian tifosi, who were looking for him to be the next Coppi.