Ten cyclists started the race, but only two finished it. During the race Georgios Kolettis's bike broke down Léon Flameng stopped and waited for Georgio's bike to be repaired before continuing to race. The winner, Léon Flameng, had fallen midway through the race but continued on to win the gold medal. Georgios Kolettis of Greece had completed 289 laps at that point, and finished fairly soon after Flameng. While competing Léon Flameng raced with the French flag wrapped about his leg.