NEWTON BEATS DOWNING TO ROCHDALE WIN

PREMIER Calendar leader Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk) won the Rochdale Grand Prix in Lancashire on Wednesday night after forcing a break to keep his rivals on the back foot.

Many spectators and riders alike expected Plowman Craven-Evans Cycles team to dominate as they fielded a strong line-up, and Newton was no exception.

After a few early digs had been pulled back the decisive move went clear with most of the main contenders in the mix, including Newton and Russell Downing (Health Net-Maxxis) as well as Plowman Craven?s James McCullum, sporting his national champion?s jersey.

After pushing hard for six laps the elastic finally broke and Newton forged away, with only Downing able to hold his wheel.

But on the final ascent of the climb Newton pulled away, crossing the line four seconds ahead of Downing, while Plowman Craven?s Simon Gaywood took third place, another minute behind on the head of the bunch.

Rochdale Grand Prix.-

1 Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk)

2 Russell Downing (Health Net-Maxxis)

3 Simon Gaywood (Plowman Craven RT)

4 Ian Wilkinson (Science in Sport)

5 Dean Downing (Rapha Condor RT)

6 Jonathan Mozley (Merlin RT)