Team Pursuit, 4,000 metres, Men

Over the last decade Australia had become a track cycling powerhouse. They were team pursuit World Champions in 1993 and 1995, and had numerous good individual pursuiters and sprinters. Germany and the United States were expected to be their biggest competition for the pursuit in Atlanta. But surprisingly, the qualifying was won by France, with Italy second, Australia third, and the USA qualifying only in sixth. Germany finished ninth and did not make match racing. The quarter-finals matched the two remaining favorites, but Australia easily defeated the United States. Another surprise occurred in the semis, when Russia ousted Australia. The final was contested between Russia and France. France led from the get-go and was never really in danger as they won the gold medal. Australia won the bronze medal, with a faster time than the other semi-final loser, Italy.