Individual Pursuit (4,000 metres), Men

Switzerland’s Xaver Kurmann was favored. He had been bronze medalist in 1968 and was the World Champion in 1969-70. But the leading qualifying time was posted by the surprising Norwegian Knut Knudsen. Only two days before the qualifying, Knudsen had ridden with Norway’s team in the 100 km. team time trial. Knudsen was not well known but was an obvious talent. In both the quarter-final and semi-final, he overtook his opponent, finishing the semi in the fastest time of the competition, 4:45.57. In the final he met Kurmann, who led early. But Knudsen caught Kurmann at the end of the fourth lap, and pulled away to a comfortable victory, having a 6+ second margin at the end. The bronze medal went to the FRG’s Hans Lutz. Knudsen and Lutz would win the next two World Championships – Knudsen in 1973, Lutz in 1974. Knudsen turned professional and twice placed second in the event at the professional Worlds – 1975 and 1977.