London 2012 Olympics, Road Race Results

Neither the Italian men or women were able to podium in their respective road races.

Alexandre Vinokourov (Kazakhstan) was the surprise winner of the gold medal in the men's road race, spoiling the expectations of a British victory. Colombian Rigoberto Uran took silver with Norway's Alexander Kristoff coming home third to win the bronze medal eight seconds behind. The best placed Italian was Luca Paolini in 9th in the group with Kristoff, 8 seconds behind the winner. At the finish Vincenzo Nibali said, "The race was hard, it was finishing as we expected but unfortunately Vinokourov escaped (with 10 km to go). We knew it would be tough win a medal but we tried."

Marianne Vos (Netherlands) was the winner of the gold medal in the women’s road race. In the rian-soaked sprint finish with Vos, Lizzie Armitstead (Great Britain) was 2nd and Olga Zabelinskaya (Russia) was 3rd. The best palced Italian was current world champion Giorgia Bronzini who finished 5th, 27 seconds back. "The winner was the strongest rider," said Bronzini. "We hope to make up for today at the world championships."

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