July 11/98 1:55 am - Boardman Takes Tour Prologue

Posted by Editor on 07/11/98
 

Boardman Wins Tour Prologue

Christophe Moreau (Festina) held the lead in the 5.6 km Prologue of the Tour de France with a time of 6:17 while over 100 riders crossed the line, but was finally beaten by four riders in the last 20 - first by American Bobby Julich (Cofidis) at 6:17, Laurent Jalabert (ONCE) also 6:17, then Abraham Olano (Banesto) at 6:16, and finally by Chris Boardman (GAN), who dropped the mark to 6:12. None of the last three riders - Pantani (Mercatone Uno), Virenque (Festina) or last year‚s winner Jan Ullrich (Deutsche Telekom) could match the Brit‚s time. However, Ullrich showed that his form is coming back, with a time of 6:17 - good enough for a top-ten finish.

Prologue - Dublin, 5.6 km ITT

1. Chris Boardman (GBR) GAN 6:12
2. Abraham Olano (ESP) Banesto 6:16
3. Laurent Jalabert (FRA) ONCE 6:17
4. Bobby Julich (USA) Cofidis s.t.
5. Christophe Moreau (FRA) Festina s.t.