Olympics: men's cycling road race

The cyclists begin the 245km course Photograph: Ricardo Mazalan/AP

Cyclists pass spectators on a pedestrian bridge Photograph: Robert F. Bukaty/AP

Competitors ride near the Great Wall in Juyongguan, 78 km north of Beijing Photograph: Martin Bernetti/AFP

Cyclists ride past the Great Wall of China Photograph: Ivan Sekretarev/AP

Cyclists continue past the Great Wall, north of Beijing Photograph: Gero Breloer/EPA

Supporters cheer on the cyclists as they ride past Photograph: Martin Bernetti/AFP

Cyclists pass the finish area at the Great Wall Photograph: Diego Azubel/EPA

Competitors head towards the finishing line Photograph: Diego Azubel/EPA

The lead pack race to the finish line Photograph: Daniel Garcia/AFP

Spain's Samuel Sanchez, left, outsprints Italy's Davide Rebellin, right, to win Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

Sanchez is ecstatic as he celebrates his victory Photograph: Martin Bernetti/AFP

The medal winners pose for pictures on the podium Photograph: Carl De Souza/AFP

Sanchez sheds tears as his victory sinks in Photograph: Gero Breloer/EPA