Leeds' Sam Watson wins under-23 road race title after being pipped to national jersey by Tour de France legend Mark Cavendish

By Peter Smith
Published 27th Jun 2022, 17:00 BST
Updated 28th Jun 2022, 08:55 BST
Sam Watson celerbrates becoming under-23 national road race champion. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.Sam Watson celerbrates becoming under-23 national road race champion. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.
Sam Watson celerbrates becoming under-23 national road race champion. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.
Leeds cyclist Sam Watson has his sights set on a professional contract after a stunning success at the British National Road Race Championships in Dumfries and Galloway.

Watson, 20, collected a silver medal in the elite event after being pipped to the line by Tour de France legend Mark Cavendish.

But that meant he was first under-23s rider home, making him national champion in that age group.

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The Yorkshireman rides for Groupama-FDJ’s continental (development) team and hopes impressive form this year could secure a step up to the top level.

Leeds' Sam Watson, left, chats to Mark Cavendish after the national road race. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.Leeds' Sam Watson, left, chats to Mark Cavendish after the national road race. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.
Leeds' Sam Watson, left, chats to Mark Cavendish after the national road race. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

Reflecting on the national road race, in wet and windy Scottish conditions, Watson said: “I’m very happy.

“I have had a few second places in some road races recently, but second at the national champs means I was the first under-23 to cross the line, so at least I get rewarded with that.”