Newton lands junior crown

CHRIS NEWTON of Teesside Clarion-ICI is Cleveland's new junior divisional road race champion.

Newton won by almost one minute in the combined event between the Cleveland and North-east divisions on a demanding 53-mile course at Ponteland.

The action started after 20 miles on a windswept four-mile climb in the Cheviot Hills. Newton, Harry Hardisty (Ridley CC) and Iain Brough (Cleveland Wheelers) left the rest of the field struggling up to the 1,000-ft summit in a very fragmented bunch.

At 32 miles, Newton and Hardisty had dropped Brough, who was being chased by Glen Turnbull (Barnesbury CC) and Lee Jackman (Tyneside Vagabonds).

The bunch now consisted of only seven riders who had regrouped and were 2'/2-minutes down on the leaders.

With five miles to go, Newton sprinted clear of Hardisty, who resigned himself to second place, eventually finishing 53 seconds behind.

Brough, alone for the last 20 miles, time-trialled across the line only 19 seconds behind Hardisty and took silver in the

Cleveland championships. Michael Wright (Middridge CRT) was the third Cleveland rider home, winning the bunch sprint and claiming bronze. Result:

1. Chris Newton (Teesside ClarionICI) 53min 2-24.09
2. H Hardisty (Ridley CC) at 53sec
3. I Brough (Cleveland Wheelers) at 1-12
4. G Turnbull (Barnesbury CC) at 2-56
5. L Jackman (Tyneside Vagabonds) at 4-24
6. M Wright (Middridge CRT).