THOUGH the result was a foregone conclusion there was drama aplenty before Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk) finally clinched the FBD Insurance Rás title in the Phoenix Park yesterday.

CHRIS NEWTON (Recycling.co.uk) faces the most crucial and difficult stage of the FBD Insurance Ras tomorrow when the survivors head for the Wicklow Mountains, but the talented English cyclist is already poised to lift the George Plant Trophy for a second time.

Murphy and Gunn’s Malcolm Elliott may have taken the stage win in a Phoenix Park sprint finish, but the spoils went to Belfast amateur David McCann as he claimed his first ever FBD Milk Rás title this evening, crossing the finish in the main field.