16th March 1997
Special Report by Greg Lunt
I rose early Sunday to make the 80 mile trip to the Lake District to watch the 18th Annual Porthole Grand Prix Time Trial, on roads around Lake Windemere. The event had been cut to 21.2 miles due to road works from the usual 25 miles but nevertheless all starters keen to give it their all riding against the man himself, Chris Boardman riding on home soil.
A large crowd turned out, despite the damp, gloomy conditions, around the course to cheer the riders on and the start at Ambleside was full of fans, photographers and BBC TV cameras. Boardman the true professional took nothing for granted and warmed up on his turbo trainer before the race, surrounded by on-lookers.
Chris warms up, finding an ideal spot to place his energy drink
Chris rode a Black Eddy Merkx machine, that resembeled the origional Lotus Superbike, converted for the road.
He started to a large cheer and flashlights, off last man out of a field of 120 riders.
The Start at Ambleside
Event sponsor,Gianni Berton wishes Chris "Good Luck!"
Starting Effort!
The first time check was at Devil's Gallop, a steep climb at about half distance. National Hill climb champion Stuart Dangerfied (Wolverhampton Whs) was leading the field with a time of 20:23, with 5 times winner Gethin Butler (Norwood Paragon) close behind in 20:29.
An anouncement over the tanoi that Boardman had arrived at the time check in 19:09 was greeted with gasps of disbeleif from the huge crowd at the finish area in Windemere.
Picture of Chris on the run in to the finish at Bowness along the A592.
Where he touched speeds of 50mph!!
Chris extended his lead to finish nearly 3 minutes ahead of Dangerfield with his amazing time of 45:02.
The previous short course record held by Darryl Webster (Manchester Whs.) of 47:44 had been thrashed!
Stuart Dangerfield held on for 2nd with 48:01, narrowly beating Gethin Butler. 48:04.
Top 10 Result
- 45:02..........Chris Boardman (GAN)
- 48:01..........Stuart Dangerfield (Wolverhampton Whs)
- 48:04..........Gethin Butler (Norwood Paragon)
- 48:50..........Paul Manning (Adidas/Scicon)
- 49:29..........Bill Moore (Leo RC)
- 49:52..........Andy Wilkinson (Adidas/Scicon)
- 49:53..........Neville Jackson (Cleveland Whs)
- 50:30..........J.Gladwell (Edinborough BC)
- 50:41..........C.Allcock (Mansfield RC)
- 51:04..........P.West (Adidas/Scicon)
Team -: Adidas Cycling Scicon - P.Manning, A.Wilkinson, P.West
Woman -: Yvonne McGregor (Adidas Cycling Scicon) 52:56
Vet -: G.Woodhouse (Kent Valley RC) 54:47
At the presentation, What they said...
He stated that he is currently "fresh & healthy" and was pleased with the result after his weekend off, although he stated that he gave himself a good workout during the race, and prepared thoroughly. "The Porthole Grand Prix is more of an occasion than a Race" he said, after enjoying the hospitality of Race sponsor Gianni Berton, owner of The Porthole Eating House in Windemere, and thanking their crowd for the support.
Chris revealed that his next event will be the Critirium International for which he is training to win.
He is shortly going to Rouane to study the Tour de France prologue course and will ride the Paris-Camembert.
His main aim is the Tour, and he will ride the worlds in October, but realised from last year that he needs a big race in his legs to stand any chance of victory in the World Championship Time Trial, and it looks like he will ride the Vuelta.
Chris stated that he would love to come back next year and perhaps bring some of his team mates.
His generous donation of the £250 first prize to "The Comic Relief Charity" was well received by the crowd, but Chris stated that he would only donate it if the crowd matched it, and match it they did!
Stuart said that he was treating the 2nd place as a win, as no one was under any illusions of who the winner would be.
Gethin Butler : 48-04
Gethin was disapointed to be beated by Dangerfield, but stated that he was training for the National 12 and 24hr title's and was "doing plenty miles".
Event Review Sponsored by CYCLE1st.com
