The men 's road race was decided Deciding in a sprint involving three riders , Maurizio Fondriest , Claude Criquielion and Steve Bauer .

In August 1942 , General Claude Auchinleck had been sacked as Commander-in-Chief Middle East Command and his successor , Lieutenant-General William Gott was killed Killing on his way to replace him as commander of the Eighth Army .

It was the final Masters for two champions : 1948 winner Claude Harmon , withdrew Escaping during the first round and 1955 champion Cary Middlecoff during the second .