Poland is target for Newton

CHRIS Newton celebrates after winning the Points race.

CHRIS NEWTON made a successful start to the defence of his World Cup Points race title in Manchester.

But Royton’s Olympic bronze medallist says retaining his crown isn’t top of his priority list.

Newton dominated the event at the National Cycling Centre, controlling the gruelling race early on and never allowing his rivals, including Spanish silver medallist, Eloy Tervel Rovira, to claw back the deficit.

“I wanted to get out there and take the race by the scruff of the neck,” said Newton. “I wanted to control it myself rather than leave it to anyone else.

“I knew if I could get a few points at the start I could dictate what was happening. Everytime I stepped on the gas I was opening up gaps.

“I’ve trained hard for the past three weeks and that was reflected in this result.”

Newton (35) finished the 160-lap race with 58 points, 20 more than Spaniard Rovira. Iljo Keisse of Belgium secured bronze with 36 points.

However, he insisted:”I’m not looking to defend the jersey this time.

“It’s very difficult travelling all over the world for the meetings.

“I did it last season because I needed to for Olympic selection. But as long as I keep up my ranking, I should be fine.

“The main thing for me now is to build up towards the World Championships in Poland next year.”

Newton certainly has enough air miles not to worry about missing the next three World Cup legs in Melbourne, later this month, Cali Colombia in December and then Beijing next January.

“We’ve got Copenhagen before the World Championships so I’ll probably do that one,” added the Points master.