A TOUR DE FORCE

A tour de force by national circuit race champion Chris Newton (Pinarello RT) saw him eclipse a high class field in the 16th running of the Otley town-centre race in Yorkshire.

Torrential rain fell until minutes before the start, which was bad news for the series of youth races staged as a curtain-raiser to the main event.

On the second of 18 laps in the main race, Newton and Gary Adamson (unattached) launched the first serious attack of the night and within another lap the champion was away on his own - and that was how it stayed.

As Newton continued to extend his lead, for most of the others the war was over. As one group after another was eliminated after being lapped by the flying Newton, the leader seemed able to step up his pace on command.

Late in the race - too late for many - a chase came from Julian Ramsbottom (Pete Read Racing) and Paul Dixon (Race Scene), and at least it ensured them both some good money on the night. Newton crossed the line alone, while Ramsbottom won the sprint for second place from Dixon, just over two minutes behind.

Andy Tinsley (Paul Moy Associates) led in a chasing trio that made a total of just six finishers out of more than 60 starters.

Newton collected a winner's prize of £200 and more than the same again in primes. "I think that's my eighth road race win of the season," he said.

1. Chris Newton (Pinarello RT) 28m in 1-10-00
2. J. Ramsbottom (Pete Read Racing) at 2-10
3. P Dixon (Race Scene) st
4. A. Tinsley (Paul Moy Assocs) at 3-00
5. G. Adamson (unatt)
6. M. Wordsworth (Dinnington RC) both st.