Chris Boardman
Chris Boardman
Before Wiggins and Froome, Chris Boardman was at one time tipped to one day win the Tour de France – though perhaps a little optimistically, considering the Merseysider himself played down his chances.
Nevertheless, his superior time trialling ability ensured he led the race in 1994, 1997 and 1998 to collect six Tour de France jerseys in all.
His victory in Lille in 1994 also saw him set the fastest Tour de France time trial in the race’s history – a record only broken this year, with Rohan Dennis’ Utrecht win.
Bad luck with crashes – including crashing out in 1998, after Dublin’s Grand Depart, while in the yellow jersey – meant overall success was never forthcoming.
But at a time when Britain was devoid of cycling heroes, Boardman – who now owns Boardman Bikes – was certainly one of them.
Tour de France starts: 6
Best Tour de France result: 39th (1996), three stage wins (1994, 1997, 1998)
Number of yellow jerseys: 6