2008 world champion Amber Neben, from the United States, claimed her second rainbow jersey,[2] completing the course 5.99 seconds quicker than the European champion Ellen van Dijk, from the Netherlands. Australia's Katrin Garfoot, the Oceanian champion, won the bronze medal, 2.33 seconds behind van Dijk and 8.32 seconds in arrears of Neben's winning time.[3]
All National Federations were allowed to enter four riders for the race, with a maximum of two riders to start. In addition to this number, the outgoing World Champion, the Olympic champion and the current continental champions were also able to take part.[4][5]