Newton points the way

OLDHAM cycling star Chris Newton showed he has lost none of the form which saw him secure a bronze medal in the Points Race at last year’s Beijing Olympics, when he took victory in the same event at the Revolution 23 meeting at the Manchester Velodrome.

Newton was just one of many top names at the popular event which proved to be a sell-out, including Tour de France rider Geraint Thomas as well as Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton MBE.

Newton, riding for the Rapha Condor team, faced a strong field in the points race which included up and coming star Peter Kennaugh as well as the majority of the GB Olympic Academy 100 Per Cent ME team, Thomas and Canadian guest rider Ryan Aitcheson.

GB Academy ace Steve Burke took the first sprint from Newton, and after Aitcheson tried and failed to break clear, Newton hit the front just at the right time and took maximum points from the second sprint.

Kennaugh broke away with Thomas to battle out the next sprint, but with Newton taking two points for third spot at the front of the chasing group, he stayed top of the table.

The leading duo were hauled in before the final sprint, but Kennaugh had enough to win the final sprint ahead of Newton, but the Oldham racer had already done enough to secure a win.

Later in the night, Newton teamed up with National Road Race Champion and talented track ace Rob Hayles in the 1km Madison time trial, and they took third spot with an impressive time of 57.584 seconds for the pairs event, while winners Steve Burke and Ed Clancy clocked 54.572 seconds.