Newton to challenge Richardson’s Rás reign

CHRIS NEWTON, who won the overall title twice, will join last year’s champion Simon Richardson, and the 2008 winner, Stephen Gallagher, on the line for next month’s FBD Insurance Rás.

Newtown underscored his well-being at the world track championships in Denmark where he finished fourth in the points race and his Rás experience gives him an extra edge on his rivals. Team-mates Dan Craven, Ben Greenwood, Jonathan Tiernan Locke and Matt Cronshaw will provide him with the best possible support.

The team manager, John Herety, who is a former professional, said their line-up reflects this year’s slightly hillier route and pointed out that the fact they will be riding the Tour of Japan the week before should ensure they will be ready.