Newton in bid for repeat

POWERHOUSE professional racer Chris Newton, the Rapha Condor team leader from Oldham, played a pivotal role in the fate of the Chas Messenger Memorial race in Buckinghamshire.

Newton (35) launched a series of ferocious attacks which split the race up and helped form the race-winning break.

He crossed the line sixth in a field of around 90 riders, but in-form team-mate Kristian House took third spot, beaten to the line in a sprint finish by a couple of bike lengths by Rotherham’s Russell Downing.

As the race reached the penultimate lap of a circuit around Long Crendon, Olympic bronze medallist Newton attacked just before the climb at Ashenden, leaving only the strong riders to battle it out while the rest dropped back.

Having helped his team-mate to the podium last weekend, Newton tackles the Lincoln Grand Prix this Sunday – and will be aiming for a repeat of his victory in 2000.


SUNDAY’S: Oldham and Tameside CTC club run is to Cannon Hall, Yorkshire. Meet on Union Street, Oldham, near Chaucer Street (grid ref SD 924 048) at 9.30am for a 9.45 start. Details from Kathleen Collins on 01457 764021.