In the amateur race, Robert Vermeire, who finished third last year, emerged victorious. José María Basualdo took second place, becoming the first Spanish medalist in the history of the World Championships.[4]
Men's Elite race
In the professional race, three-time former world champion Rolf Wolfshohl battled it out with the De Vlaeminck brothers and Belgian champion Albert Van Damme. Roger De Vlaeminck fell significantly behind in the final lap. The three remaining title contenders initially crashed together while overtaking the lapped Günter Weiss. 500 meters from the finish, while passing a maintenance depot, Wolfshohl crashed again, likely caused by a careless maneuver from a Belgian mechanic. In the final sprint, Van Damme misjudged a gear, allowing De Vlaeminck to distance him. He celebrated a little too early, however, allowing Van Damme to close the gap to within a tire's width.[5] This was the first sprint finish between two riders since 1950 and the closest in World Championship history. A protest by the German team was rejected, as no intent could be proven on the part of the Belgian mechanic.[6]
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Zolder, Belgium 
