The event was won by Adolf Schmal of Austria, the only gold medal in cycling ever won by the nation, until Anna Kiesenhofer's win in the 2020 Women's Road Race. Schmal lapped silver medalist Frederick Keeping of Great Britain early, winning by that lap as the two were the only riders to finish. The 12 hour race was the last event to finish at the 1896 Games.
The 1896 Olympics saw Adolf Schmal of Austria win the only gold medal in cycling for his nation, a feat that wasn't repeated until Anna Kiesenhofer's victory in the Women's Road Race in 2020. Schmal won by lapping silver medalist Frederick Keeping of Great Britain, who was one of two riders to finish the 12-hour race.