Ferryhill Wheelers Australian Pursuit
1991

Juniors show their class
Story and picture by Charlie Rhind

CLEVELAND's junior cycling stars, Chris Newton (Northern Velo) and Michael Wright (Middridge CRT) outpaced strong opposition from some of the North East's top seniors when they took first and third places in last week's Ferryhill Wheelers Australian Pursuit (handicap) event at Bishopton. Only Hilton McMurdo, the Stockton based professional was able to split the 17-year-old youngsters.

The organisers were obviously aware of the potential of the youngsters who were set off in the last of six groups along with the first category seniors and the professional, McMurdo.

After covering three of the five circuits in the thirty miles event the field had consolidated into two groups with the top category riders closing quickly on the juniors, veterans and lower category seniors who were working hard to hold them off.

At the start of the last lap the field had merged into one group with McMurdo dominating proceedings at the front. The spectators at the finish eagerly awaited the duel between World Championship selection Newton and McMurdo, who showed his class with regular top ten placings in professional events last season. Most bets would have gone on McMurdo but Chris Newton emerged in the final 70 metres to take the verdict.

Michael Wright showed his growing confidence and sprinting ability by taking third place in front of North East Centre of Excellence seniors Andy Chatterton (Hartlepool CC) and Jeff Wright (Tjme Velo).

Both riders and spectators went home looking forward to the following event in the four week series where Milk Race internationals, Paul Curran and Norman Dunne, will be eager to avoid being added to Chris Newton's list of scalps!

1. Chris Newton (Northern Velo) 1hr. 7mins
2. Hilton McMurdo (Townsend)
3. Michael Wright (Middridge CRT)
4. Andy Chatterton (Hartlepool CC)
5. Jeff Wright (Tyne Velo).


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