Cycling at the 2004 Athina Summer Games:

The event was not held over 1,000 metres, for the first time since 1908, but rather the qualifying was 3½ laps of the track, or 875 metres, and the match races were 3 laps, or 750 metres. The qualifying was led by Ryan Bayley (AUS), who recorded 10.177 to lead Theo Bos (NED), the 2004 World Champion. Bayley’s only serious achievement prior to the Olympics had been the 2001 world title in the keirin, the youngest ever champion in that event (18). Bayley and Bos were unbeaten as they made their way thru the rounds to meet each other in the final. They had met in the semi-finals at the 2004 Worlds, with Bos winning in three races. The Olympic final also went to three races, as Bos won the first race by a few centimeters, Bayley returning the favor in a similar close finish in the second race. In the deciding race, Bayley won decisively to win the gold medal. Bos would return to win the World Championships in 2006-2007, giving Australia it’s first ever sprint title, despite being a notable track cycling nation for ages. Bos is the brother of Jan Bos, a two-time Olympic silver medallist in 1000 m speed skating. He also competed in Athina, forming part of the Dutch team sprint trio.