Cycling update

OLDHAM cycling ace Chris Newton was celebrating after team-mate Kristian House was crowned National Road Race Champion following a superb performance in Wales.

Newton, the Olympic and World medallist on the track, was pin-pointed as the man in form by his Rapha Condor team, along with colleague Tom Southam.

The plan pre-race was for the team to work for those two riders as they battled a classy field which included continental pros like Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins, David Millar and Geraint Thomas as well as the top names from the domestic scene.

But with Newton and Southam not feeling 100 per cent, plans were switched at the last minute.

“Me and Tom weren’t feeling great on the day, but Kristian was already up there in the break, so it worked out well. I’m really pleased for him, because he’s a great battler and often works hard for other people.”

Meanwhile, Newton will be racing relatively local this week after having clocked up the miles over the last few weeks.

The Tour Series criterium competition has seen the Rapha Condor team travel the length and breadth of the country, often tackling two mid-week races as well as weekend commitments.

He was in Rochdale for the latest round of the National Elite Circuit Series last night and then, after riding the Blackpool Grand Prix on Friday night, he will ride the Tour of Blackpool Premier Calendar event on Sunday.