Newton to lay down law in defence of Rás

CHRIS NEWTON goes to the start line in Tallaght tomorrow defending his FBD Insurance Rás title.

With a collection of Olympic, world championship and world championship medals in his treasury, but will face what is generally regarded as the strongest field ever assembled for Irish cycling’s showpiece.

The 32-year-old Englishman knows the ropes. He won the title in 2003 and returned last year to reclaim it in a war of attrition with the teak-tough veteran, Malcolm Elliot.