Newton returns for Nocturne

Back in 2005, Chris Newton destroyed the opposition in the Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne. Despite driving rain he lapped the top class field, taking most of the primes along the way. The Recycling.so.uk team captain has already had a brilliant year on the road, having recently secured the Premier Calendar series, but the season is far from over and Chris wants to take the Nocturne title again.

"I'm really looking forward to riding the Newport Nocturne again," said Newton. "The past 2 years seem to have flown by. The event has probably the biggest crowds we ever race in front of, and the atmosphere the crowds help to create on the night is second to none. With the Beijing Olympics now only just around corner an event like this is ideal for getting used to the sort of media attention riders will face in China."

The Recycling.co.uk team have a double edged sword for the Nocturne with local star Simon Holt also taking part. Nineteen year old Holt is an accomplished circuit rider and the other teams will have to keep an eye on both men.

"I'm especially looking forward to seeing how my team-mate Simon Holt deals with the race," Newton continued. "Simon has been going very well in circuit races all year and as a local lad he's very much 'up for it '. With a bit of luck he'll take some of the pressure off me and maybe that, in turn, will benefit the recycling.co.uk team. We really want to keep the victory 'in house' and remain Champions of the Nocturne for another two years."

Britain's only floodlit cycle race, the Shropshire Star Newport Nocturne takes place at 6.45pm on Saturday 1st September see www.bikerace.co.uk for details.