SECOND PREMIER WIN FOR DOWNING

SCORING his second consecutive victory in the Premier Calendar, Russell Downing (Healthnet-Maxxis) sprinted home ahead of Malcolm Elliott (Pinarello RT) at the end of the 170-kilometre event in Northumberland.

Downing moved up to seventh spot in the overall on the back of his victory, while Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk) took third spot to establish himself as sole leader by nine points after sharing the top of the table with Dean Downing (Rapha Condor) for the last two weeks.

While Russell edged ahead of fellow Yorkshireman Elliott for the win, the battle behind for third spot was just as significant, with Newton edging ahead of fourth-placed Dean to boost his title hopes.

After an earlier seven-man break had been brought back after 60 miles, the decisive move came with just four miles left, but in that time the leaders established a big lead over the remains of the bunch, which had fragmented on the small finishing circuit.

Beaumont Trophy, Premier Calendar R8.-

1 Russell Downing (Healthnet-Maxxis) 170km in 3-57-29

2 Malcolm Elliott (Pinarello RT)

3 Chris Newton (Recycling.co.uk)

4 Dean Downing (Rapha Condor) all same time

5 Robin Sharman (KFS Special Vehicles) at 6sec

6 Matt Stephens (Sigma Sport RT) same time