In total, 464 cyclists participated: these consisted of 334 men and 130 women, from 61 countries. The youngest participant was Ignatas Konovalovas, at 18 years, while the oldest was Jeannie Longo, at 45 years. The most successful contestant was Bradley Wiggins, who won three medals: one gold, one silver and one bronze.[1] The most successful country was Australia, with its team members winning 6 gold and 11 total medals. Russia and Great Britain came in second place with 3 and 2 golds, respectively. After a disqualification, Viatcheslav Ekimov of Russia was awarded his second gold medal in men's time trial, defending his title from 2000, and his third gold medal overall. He achieved his first victory back in 1988, when he competed in men's track pursuit as part of the Soviet team.[2]
Australia dominated track events, winning 5 out of its 6 cycling gold medals there.[3]
Women's 500 m time trial: Australia's Anna Meares, 33.952 s (20 August). The previous record of 34.000 s was set in August 2002 by Yonghua Jiang.
Women's individual pursuit: New Zealand's Sarah Ulmer, 3:24.537 (22 August). This record was broken multiple times during these Games, the prior instances being New Zealand's Sarah Ulmer, 3:26.400 (21 August); Australia's Katie Mactier, 3:29.945 (21 August). The previous record of 3:30.604 was set in May by Ulmer.