Newton pips Evans on line to take Rás opener

DEFENDING champion, Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk), pipped former winner, Tommy Evans (IRC Usher Insulations) in the first stage of this year’s FBD Insurance Rás from Tallaght to Enniscorthy yesterday.

In the history of the race only Shay O’Hanlon held the title for more than a year and that was back in the 1960’s when he won three of his four titles back to back.

Newton, who also won the title in 2003, admitted that the yellow jersey was not a target going into yesterday’s first stage which was fought out in torrential rain.