DAY 14
Stage 12
St.ETIENNE - ST.ETIENNE
55km Time Trail

18th July 1997

"A little bit lost!"

Chris was putting on a brave face as he sat on his road bike in the start hut at
St.Etienne. He was obviously in great pain with his back and neck but nevertheless
had decided to continue in the race and battle through!

The low profile stayed in the team van, due to the fact that he could not adopt the
distinctive LOW Boardman position and his road bike was more comfortable to ride.
During the test he was a shadow of his former self, suffering, but not through effort!
He started well clocking an early fastest time at the 12.5km checkpoint,14mins 26 sec.,
but most of this section of the course was downhill. Franck Vandenbrucke who started
2 mins behind Chris caught and passed him on the first major climb, a claim to fame
no doubt he will never forget.



On the long fast flat roads to the finish, Chris re-caught Vandenbrucke and they both
crossed the line together.

Later on he emerged from his motor home to chat to the press...
"Today is the first time trial in my professional career that I have not ridden
flat out!", he said. "I am without a job to do and feel a little bit lost!".

He finished in 23rd spot, with a time of 1 hour 23mins 9 secs, 6 minutes down on
winner Jan Ullrich wo himself was 3 minutes infront of Virenque who was 2nd.
Chris lies in 85th position overall 1:17:27 down.



Current Chris Status!



Current GAN Status!