RICO Rogers put in a stunning finish to take victory in the Newport Nocturne cycle race.
The Giordana Racing rider jumped away on the final straight to claim the win in front of a 15,000-strong crowd which had crammed into the Shropshire town earlier tonight.
Endura Racing’s Ian Wilkinson and Raleigh’s Bernie Sulzberger had lead for most of the 45 minute race but could not hold off the bunch on the final lap.
Halesowen Cycling Club’s Matt Clarke and Dan Harris rode strongly but were always up against it in an elite field which included two-time Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy, though they will have gained valuable experience.
There was better news for former Halesowen rider Hayley Edwards, who took third in the women’s race earlier in the evening.
Edwards, who has spent the past few months riding in the USA, was always near the front of the bunch but couldn’t get the better of Matrix Fitness-Prendas’ Penny Rowson in the final sprint.
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