Newton powers through the rain

IN-form Chris Newton, the professional cyclist from Oldham, maintained his team’s superb performance in this year’s National Elite Circuit Series with a strong performance, despite torrential rain, in the Brighouse Circuit Race in West Yorkshire.

Newton, the 35-year-old leader of the Rapha Condor team, finished sixth himself but helped ensure Rapha had four riders in the top seven placings – including victory for his team-mate Dean Downing.

That result means Newton moves up to second overall, while Rapha Condor have four riders in the top seven overall.

The series finishes with the Blackburn Grand Prix next Wednesday.