Chris Boardman - one day at a time 07

Chris Boardman

We talked to Olympic Pursuit champion, Tour prologue winner and World hour record holder, Chris Boardman at City Hall, London.

How did you approach the Tour de France?

Chris – It’s best not to see it as a three week event, but rather break it up into sections, taking each day and the next mountain as it comes.

How do you deal with the pressure?

Chris - It’s really important to take your mind somewhere else during the Tour, riders will talk amongst each other about their families or anything that isn’t about the race. It helps you survive.

In 1994, my first Tour was a great experience and I prepared like it was a seven minute race and soon realised what the Tour really meant. I learnt what it was like to go 'out the back' after 5 kilometres on a mountain stage and somehow crossing the line some eight hours later.

Who do you think will win in 2007?

Chris - A few weeks ago I would say it would be Valverde, but now I’m not sure and that makes it exciting.

The prologue?

Chris - Bradley Wiggins will be under great pressure to win the London prologue and he has every chance, but there are a number of riders who can feature.

Earlier Chris was asked what he thought about David Millar’s return to cycling after his suspension for taking EPO.

Chris – David Millar has done the right thing and has done his time. He has been speaking out openly about himself and drugs.