The Games

A then-unknown Sir Elton John sang the Francis Lai and Hal Shaper-penned "From Denver to L.A." as part of the film's soundtrack, which was issued in the U.S. by Viking Records (LPS-105). He was so little-known at that point, that he was credited on the label as "Elton Johns". The label planned to issue the song as a single (VIK-1010, backed with "Warm Summer Rain" by The Barbara Moore Singers), and promotional copies were pressed, but John, who first hit stardom towards the end of 1970, had the record withdrawn before commercial copies could be pressed. Upon his reaching superstar status, promotional copies of the "From Denver to L.A." single have become prized collector's items and an interesting curio in John's recorded catalogue.

At once stage during a particularly twisty and narrow part of the race on Rome's streets, the pace vehicle is forced to go so slow that it forces leader Hayes almost to a standstill to avoid colliding with it.