Newton Injured Ahead of Worlds

 

News Posted: 6 March 2008

 

Great Britain Cycling Team star Chris Newton, who was a strong contender to be part of the GB team for this year's Olympics, has broken his left collarbone following an incident with a car whilst out cycling this morning (Thursday 6 March). He also suffered severe bruising and lacerations to his right shoulder in the incident, which happened just 2 miles from his Oldham home.

Chris (34), who is a former world champion in the Points Race, and won the Premier Calendar Road Racing series in 2007, is expected to be able to resume full training within five weeks, which effectively puts him out of the upcoming World Championships, at the end of this month. He will see the GB Team Doctor on Friday, where a rehabilitation programme will be planned.

Commenting on the news, British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford said: "Although this is obviously a disappointment for British Cycling and for Chris, it does not jeopardise his chances of qualifying for the Olympics or his chance of performing well in Beijing."

Chris, has won a number of international titles. These include a Gold medal in the Team Pursuit at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and 2005 World Track Championships in Los Angeles, as well as a string of stage race wins in Europe. The highlight of his career was a win in the Points Race at Copenhagen World Track Championships in 2002 - Biography

 

He was due to begin the defence of his Premier Calendar title at this weekend's Bikeline 2-Day Road Race in North Wales. He and fellow Rapha-Condor Recycling.co.uk rider, Ben Greenwood, who also has a long-term injury, will be replaced in the event by youngsters Adam Bonser and Simon Holt.