Cycling: Boardman's new regime

CHRIS BOARDMAN goes into hiding next week to prepare for the Tour de France. His selection, in his first professional year, is the only one so far announced by his French sponsors, GAN.

Boardman is moving out of his Wirral home, away from his wife and family, in the run- up to the Tour which opens in Lille on July 2. 'In effect I am having a training camp, so that I can concentrate on preparing for the prologue time trial,' Boardman said.

This opening race against the clock is one of three objectives for the Olympic champion whose racing reputation has been founded in this particular discipline.

If he does win that test Boardman will be the first Briton to wear the leader's yellow jersey since Tommy Simpson 32 years ago. He will also ride in the team time trial and in the individual time trial.