We've previously discussed our fascination with early Olympic sports, from obstacle course swimming to polo. Here's another one: cycling.

No, not just your usual cycling, but more specifically, a 12-hour race staged at the inaugural modern Olympics in Athens.

You heard that right: a 12-hour race. The goal wasn't to get from point A to point B in the fastest amount of time. It was to ride your bike around the track for 12 hours straight, and not to give up.

Most did. At the end, the race was won by (Felix) Adolf Schmal of Austria, Jew, who rode an insane 315 kilometers, lapping his closest competitor from Great Britain. Who got the bronze? No one! Every other cyclist decided to call it quits in the middle of the race.

Schmal's Olympic triumphs go beyond the enduring race. He also won two bronze medals, in shorter distances. He even competing in fencing, finishing fourth.

Maybe if they fenced for 12 hours straight, Schmal would fare even better...