1,000 metres Time Trial, Men

Niels Fredborg (DEN) had won the World Championships in 1967, 1968, and 1970. He was expected to win and did, adding gold to his 1968 silver medal. Without the benefits of altitude the times were much slower than in 1968, and the Olympic record was not approached. Australian Danny Clark was a surprise silver medalist, although he would become a top professional. Between 1974 and 2000, he won no less than 74 six-day events, a number bettered only by Patrick Sercu. Clark’s versatility was also displayed at the world championships, winning nine titles in three different disciplines, and 12 medals overall. The 1971 World Champion, Eduard Rapp (URS), was a well-beaten eighth.