Watson's 'dream' Nationals win

Ineos Grenadiers rider escapes to victory in Aberystwyth

- 

Just three Ineos Grenadiers riders started the British National Championships road race last Sunday, and only one finished. However, the one Ineos rider who finished did it in some style, with Sam Watson escaping to victory in Aberystwyth, and bringing a ninth national title back to his British WorldTour team.

The 23-year-old was attentive all day, remaining close to the front or in the lead group itself, but flew under the radar until he made his decisive attack as the race passed through the finish line for a penultimate time.

“It’s pretty unbelievable to be honest, I’m over the moon,” Watson said post-race. “It’s a bit of a dream, I've always wanted the bands on my sleeves for the rest of my career, and to have at least one year in the national champion's jersey is an incredible feeling.

“I didn’t feel good all race, probably because it was so hard and I was on the limit. That probably helped me because I was willing to lose the race to win; as soon as I had the gap, I just had to go full gas to the line. I didn’t know what the gap was, it was only at 200 metres to go that I realised I would win.”