Cycling: Boardman wins the world title: English pursuit superiority

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Louise Thomas

Editor

CHRIS BOARDMAN again waved the flag for Britain when he added the world 4,000 metres pursuit crown to his Olympic title here last night.

The Merseysider, who made Tour de France history last month as the first Briton to wear the yellow jersey of race- leader for three days, was back on the success trail over the 400m open-air track.

'This one was special for me because from now on the world pursuit title is no longer a first objective,' he said. 'I want to make a career in the Tour de France.'

On the Lotus machine he rode to Olympic victory, Boardman was soon in charge in the final against his GAN team-mate, Francis Moreau of France.

He clocked 4min 27.742sec to win by more than 11 seconds, and as he started his final lap he punched the air. Then as he headed for the line he waved to the crowd.

'It looks like I was cruising all the way but you never know when something can happen. I was just showing off when I punched the air. It was an ego trip because I knew the title was in the bag.'

An hour before, in the semi- finals, Boardman beat Jens Lehmann of Germany, his victim in the Olympic final in Barcelona.

For Graeme Obree, the reigning champion until last night, there was only the possibility of court action, following Monday's disqualification.

The Scotsman was less than four minutes into his first race when he was disqualified for his 'downhill skier' riding position. Officials said that they could not see daylight between his arms and chest.

Obree's sponsor is consulting lawyers to see if there is a legal basis to sue the sport's governing body, the UCI.

Jim White, page 14

Results, Sporting Digest, page 31