Nathan Watson grabs second in debut Le Touquet ride
World Enduro regular Nathan Watson (KTM) bagged the runner-up in Sunday’s Enduropale Le Touquet in France.
As the world’s most famous beach race, Le Touquet is about as tough as they come in sand racing and one of the most prestigious races in France to win.
Stacking up strong in his debut Le Touquet, Watson gave the French beach racing specialists a run for their money ending second to winner Milko Postisek.
“I’m really happy with second place, to get on the podium at my first real shot at Le Touquet is something special,” told Watson.
“I am a little disappointed not to have taken the win, but it’ll give me something to aim for next year.”
Watson competed in the French beach race series this winter to prepare for Le Touquet. Winning three out of six races put him in with a shout of top honours at Le Touquet.
After a good start he rode sensibly for the first couple of laps, though the sheer number of competitors proved one of the biggest challenges throughout the race.
“There are so many riders out there, you have to weave left and right to get past them and sometimes you get a little held up,” continued Watson.
“One of the biggest factors in the race is the physical hardship, other than the start straight there is nowhere to get a rest – you are stood up and riding hard the entire three hours.
After finally sampling Le Touquet firsthand, he’s got his sights on returning in 2019 and going one place better.
“The event is amazing, with all the build-up before the race, I’ve never been so nervous. The fans are incredible too, there are so many here cheering us on.
“My team have been great all winter so it’s nice to reward them with this result. I definitely want to be back here next year and hopefully to take the win.”
Results – 2018 Enduropale du Touquet
1. Milko Potisek (FRA), Yamaha, 3:00:34.840 2. Nathan Watson (GBR), KTM, 3:02:45.302 3. Camille Chapeliere (FRA), KTM, 3:09:11.571 4. Daymond Martens (BEL), Yamaha, 3:14:42.211 5. Ken Dy Dycker (BEL), KTM, 3:15:10.280