This was the first year a world champion was crowned among professional cyclists. Professional cyclists and amateurs rode together, but separate rankings were drawn up for the two categories. A total of 55 riders competed, including 22 professionals.[2]
Eight laps on the circuit of almost 23 km had to be covered, 182 km in total. The course was very tough because of the many climbs (the bikes did not have bike gears back then).
The race was dominated by the Italians. Alfredo Binda escaped on the penultimate lap and became the first professional world champion with more than seven minutes advantage. Two of his compatriots completed the podium of the professionals. Belgian Jean Aerts was fifth and world amateur champion. In total, 18 riders would reach the finish.[3]
^The peloton was formed of professionals and amateurs, and each were categorised accordingly. Previously, only amateur races had taken place since 1921.
^Those starred (*) were amateur at the time of the event.[1]
