CYCLING

THE winner of the Rochdale Grand Prix earlier this month, Oldham pro cycling ace Chris Newton will be aiming to repeat that feat in the Blackburn Grand Prix tonight to boost his bid for the National Elite Circuit Series.

Newton, the 35-year-old leader of the Rapha Condor team, is currently second in the series - 21 points behind team-mate Dean Downing.

But with 60 points up for grabs and two rounds remaining after Blackburn, any one of 20 riders could snatch the title.

Newton is one of three Rapha Condor riders in the top five overall and all three are in action at Blackburn, where they will tackle a tight and twisty city centre circuit over an hour.

Following the Blackburn event, all eyes will be on this weekend when Newton is one of five Rapha riders aiming to take glory in the National Criterium Championships.

The title race is based on a circuit at Beverley, in East Yorkshire, and features some of the best circuit racers in the business.

And after Friday’s title race, Newton will tackle the East Yorkshire Classic, part of the Premier Calendar Road Race Series.

Newton is tenth overall in the prestigious series and will be aiming to move into the top six with victory on Sunday. He will need to be at his best to fend off a full Candi TV-Marshall’s Pasta squad turning out to defend Russell Downing’s series lead.