A multi Olympic medallist has become the first big name to sign up for this year’s Newport Nocturne cycle race.

Chris Newton, who won silver in the team pursuit at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, as well as bronze medals in that event in 2000 and a bronze in the points race in 2008, will line up as part of a six-man Rapha Condor squad for the Nocturne on Saturday, September 4.

Newton, 36, has also won two world championship gold medals along with a host of national titles and is a former winner of the event having triumphed in the rain in 2005.

And Nocturne organiser Nick Jeggo said he hoped the confirmation of Rapha Condor — one of the UK’s leading cycling teams — would open the floodgates for more cycling stars.

He said: “It’s great news that Rapha have signed up and they are bringing a very strong squad.

“Having someone like Chris Newton here is really good news. He has been a top name in British cycling for a number of years and it’s great to have him at the Nocturne.

Pouring

“When he won the race he lapped pretty much the entire field in the pouring rain — it really was a stunning ride.

“It’s great to see Rapha here because they’re a really well-run professional team and hopefully we can announce a few more names over the coming weeks.”

In the past British Cycling stars Mark Cavendish, David Millar and Geraint Thomas have all competed in the bi-annual race.

And organisers are hopeful of this year attracting many of the sport’s top female cyclists to the race for the event’s one lap time trial.

Rapha’s squad also includes Dean Downing, along with Graham Briggs, Dean Windsor, Tom Southam and Matt Cronshaw.

And they will be joined on the start line by two Dutch riders who form part of Team Kuota’s quartet for the race.

Jeroen Janssen, known as the Flying Dutchman and hot prospect Jefte de Bruin are both included in the line-up along with young English prospects Dan Davies, from Wolverhampton, and 18-year-old Matt Bailey.

The Nocturne, back after a three year absence, will run from 6.30pm-10pm in Newport town centre.

By ALEX JAMES