Newton prepares to defend Rás title

CYCLING / Round-up: Double FBD Insurance Rás champion Chris Newton has been confirmed as racing again this year, the British Recycling.co.uk rider defending the title he won in 2003 and again in 2005.

Newton (32) has shown good form this season despite a bad crash in the Tour de Langkawi, taking gold this month in the Commonwealth Games team pursuit. He will be accompanied by four strong team-mates: Evan Oliphant, Kristian House, Rob Partridge and Robin Sharman, who was fifth overall in the 2005 Rás and ninth in last month's Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia.

Race director Dermot Dignam welcomed the news of Newton's return. "Chris Newton has always ridden well in Ireland and his participation plus that of the Recycling.co.uk team guarantees aggressive and tactically astute racing," he said.

"We're bringing a strong squad to the race," confirmed team manager John Herety, who takes over at the top of the new-look squad after several years working with the Great Britain national team.

"Every one of them were selected for their respective home nations for the recent Commonwealth Games. Newton took gold in the team pursuit and will of course have ridden the World Track Championships by the time the Rás starts. I hope that there will be a current world champion in the race as a result."

Meanwhile, Dignam confirmed earlier this week the Irish Sports Council will again back the "best young rider" competition in the 2.2-ranked race. CEO John Treacy said he was "pleased that the Irish Sports Council is associated with the recognition of young talent in such a tough international event."

The 2006 FBD Insurance Rás begins in Dublin on May 21st and finishes eight days and over 1200 kilometres later in Skerries on Sunday, May 28th, following stage finishes in Enniscorthy, Cobh, An Daingean, Listowel, Carraroe, Westport and Clara.

In other news, a strong overseas contingent has been confirmed for the Credit Union Rás Mumhan, which takes place over Easter weekend in Kerry. Riders from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and the UK will line out alongside those from Ireland, including competitors from the Continental-level Seán Kelly Racing Team and Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group. Entries close today for the race.

Finally, Sunday's programme of racing at the Ben McKenna Memorial in Balbriggan will also include the first round of the 2006 Zoo Hair Salon Women's National League. The opening event was due to be held in Bohermeen last week but racing was cancelled there.

The league will be run on a handicap basis.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday: Harry Reynolds Memorial, Man O'War Pub. Starts 4.30pm. Tour of Ards, starts Portaferry Road, noon.

Sunday: Ben McKenna Memorial, starts Ring Common Sports Centre, Balbriggan, 11am. Also includes round one of the Zoo Hair Salon Women's National League. Aghagalion Cup, Bartin's Bay. Underage racing noon, main event 1pm. Silver Pail GP, Fermoy. Starts 2pm.