"Observant television viewers will have noticed that with four laps to go, eventual winner Pascal Richard could be seen in intense conversation at the back of the break with Michele Bartoli, who is a team-mate all year round in the MG-Technogym team, but in the Olympic road race was -- theoretically -- a rival in the Italian squad. Fabio Baldato was in the same position.
"What was being said? Bartoli explained to Cycling Weekly: 'We agreed that we wouldn't mess each other about, not to give each other any trouble, because we are team-mates and it was better that an MG rider win than a rider from another team. It's important because we are together all the time.'
"The same question was put to Richard at his press conference, and the answer was substantially the same. 'Bartoli said simply "If you feel good, have a go, we won't ride too hard behind, but be subtle. I'm riding for the Italian team so I will do my work, but I won't try to make you lose." Bartoli said he would ride, but not give 100 per cent. I would have done the same if he had been in front. We are professionals.' "
1. Tony Rominger (Sch) 2. Matthias Buxhofer (Aut)
"Robert Millar has written about the pros' late-night 'rehydration' sessions after past world championships and clearly Rolf Sorensen had been 'rehydrating' enthusiastically when he was spotted -- not by CW's reporter -- in a Buckhead night club at half-past-four on Thursday morning, dancing on a table wearing his road race silver medal, a big smile, and not much else. Among those present were Greg Lemond, Phil Anderson, and MTBer Caroline Alexander. For some reason, Sorensen went home ill two days later."