Italian cyclist Sante Gaiardoni - at the top of his form - established a new world record at the EUR Velodrome in Rome, during the Italian Cycling Championships, July 3, when he covered one kilometre in 1 minute 7.5 secs. His average speed was 53.333 Kms per hour. The previous world record of 1 minute 8.4 secs was held by Giuseppe Beghetto.

Another very fast time was set up by the Lombardy 4-man team - Vigna, Officio, Roncati and Arient - who, after a bad start - covered the 4000 metres team pursuit distance in 4 minutes 32 seconds, at an average speed of 52.940 Kms.p.h.

Selectors were present in strength to select possibles for the Italian Olympic cycling team. It is felt that Italian and Australian riders will almost certainly take top honours in the Olympic long distance cycling events.