Spain's Abraham Olano won the elite men's time trial at the world cycling championships in Valkenburg, Holland, yesterday as Chris Boardman endured more disappointment.

The reigning Tour of Spain champion completed the 27-mile course in 54 minutes 32.13 seconds to claim his first world time trial title. But it was another forgettable day for 1994 champion Boardman, who is still searching for his form after crashing out in the Tour de France's second stage.

The Briton started two minutes ahead of the Spaniard but was nearly caught by Olano, the 1995 world road race champion, as they approached the finishing line.

Olano beat compatriot Melchior Mauri by 38 seconds and Ukrainian Sergei Gontchar by 47 seconds, while American Lance Armstrong, who is recovering from testicular cancer, was fourth and 56 seconds off the pace.