Newton points theway

OLDHAM cycling ace Chris Newton - who took bronze at the points race at the Beijing Olympics - tasted victory in that event once again as the Manchester Velodrome staged the prestigious Revolution 21 meeting.

Newton was racing against a world class field with international stars from across the globe, but dominated the 80-lap event virtually throughout.

With points awarded at sprints every ten laps, Newton won the second, third and fourth sprints to lay down the gauntlet to his rivals.

He broke away with three other riders, and despite picking up some points at later sprints was just five points ahead with three sprints remaining.

Another attack including Newton was pulled back shortly after, but he went on to win the sixth sprint and secured second in the next sprint to extend his lead.

Although he failed to take any points in the final sprint, Newton had done enough to secure a popular victory.

Meanwhile, Newton settled for second spot in the one kilometre Madison time trial event.

Newton teamed up with Halfords Bikehut rider Rob Hayles, the national road race champion and also a talented track rider, from Derbyshire.

In a field full of top international names, Newton and Hayles clocked 58.399sec for the event, and were beaten only by Olympic bronze medallist Steven Burke, from Colne, and gold medallist Ed Clancy, from Huddersfield.

Burke and Clancy were 3.3 seconds faster than Newton and Hayles, while third went to Americans Guy East and Austin Carroll.