French legend Longo, 52, wins 58th national title

AFP/Paris

GREAT SHOW: French cycling legend Jeannie Longo flanked by Christel Ferrier (L) second and Audrey Cordon (R) third, poses on the podium after she won her fourth consecutive time trial title at the French national championships in the northern French city of Boulogne-sur-Mer

French cycling legend Jeannie Longo stunned a host of younger rivals to claim her fourth consecutive time trial title at the French national championships yesterday. It was 52-year-old Longo’s 58th title from all French championships including track and road cycling. Longo claimed what was her 11th time trial gold from the national championships when she completed a 19km course in 29min 45secs. Christel Ferrier-Bruneau was second 45secs behind with Audrey Cordon third at 52. Former Olympic champion Longo, born October 31, 1958 claimed her first national title in 1979. She will also compete in the women’s national road race on Saturday.Climbers to help Sky’s Wiggins in Tour quest PARIS: A strong climbing corps will bolster Bradley Wiggins’ bid for Tour de France glory this year as his Team Sky unveiled their squad for cycling’s greatest race yesterday. Wiggins, gunning to become the first Briton to finish on the podium after claiming fourth in 2009, will be assisted by climbers Xabier Zandio of Spain, Rigoberto Uran of Colombia and Simon Gerrans of Australia when the race starts on July 2 in western France. Norwegian prodigy Edvald Boasson Hagen, who proved instrumental in Wiggins’ winning ride in the Criterium du Dauphine earlier this month, was also included in the nine-man squad. German Christian Knees, Geraint Thomas of Wales, Spaniard Juan Antonio Flecha and Briton Ben Swift completed the line-up. “There is a great blend of experience and youth in our squad,” team principal Dave Brailsford said in a statement. “We have a really exciting team that can’t wait for July 2.” Swede Thomas Lofkvist, who was Team Sky’s top finisher in the Tour last year when he took 17th place, has been left out of the squad. Vacansoleil unveil Tour de France line-up Paris: Dutch Tour de France debutants Vacansoleil yesterday unveiled a team spearheaded by Frenchman Romain Feillu for this year’s race. In a young line-up, Feillu is joined by Slovenia’s Borut Bozic and a quartet of Dutch riders: Johnny Hoogerland, Wout Poels, Lieuwe Westra and Rob Ruijgh. “I’m proud to present such a young team,” said team director Hilaire van der Schuere. “With these riders, we’ll be competitive in every stage.” Feillu wore the leader’s yellow jersey for one day during the 2008 Tour, while Bozic won a stage at the Tour of Spain in 2009.