Newton takes second spot

A BATTLING performance from Oldham professional cyclist Chris Newton saw him clinch second spot in the tour Tour of Pendle and move up to fifth in the overall Premier Calendar Series standings.

Newton moved up from tenth overall following another good ride in the 140-kilometre race based around Nelson on a 44-kilometre circuit, and his form appears to be coming good just at the right time.

He will miss the final round of the Premier Calendar Series, the Richmond Grand Prix on August 23, in favour of the Tour of Ireland where the Rapha Condor team will line-up against top names from some of the best teams in the world.

Following that, Newton is aiming for a ride in the Tour of Britain, and perhaps then a spot in the Great Britain team for the World Road Race Championships later in September.

In the Pendle event, Newton missed the initial break, but once it came back he went on with eventual winner Russell Downing and Welsh Road Race Champion Rob Partridge.