Flying Watson ensures Tour of the North title with final stage victory

It's been an unforgettable start to the season for David Watson. The North Down CC man won the final stage of the Tour of the North today to wrap up the overall title. Watson is right up there with the best in the country at the minute (Photo with thanks to Marian Lamb – Cycling Ulster)

By Brian Canty

David Watson has taken his season to new heights today with a stage win to wrap up overall victory in the Tour of the North.

The North Down CC rider came into the final stage as the race leader but level on time with Ronan McLaughlin (Team ASEA).

That meant he had to be extremely wary of the former An Post Chain Reaction man throughout the 115-kilometre leg this afternoon.

In fact, Watson had to be careful of up to a dozen riders who packed the top 10 on General Classification this morning, with 14 seconds separating the top 10.

But Watson rode from the front and attacked the race, going clear in an initial group of eight that would later be trimmed to five.

That five, who filled the top placings on the stage were; Angus Fyffe (the Belgian Project), Gareth McCullough (Newry Wheelers), David Hamilton (North Down CC) and Craig McAuley (Caldwell Cycles).

Leading home the chasing bunch five seconds behind was Ken Tobin of Bikeworx.

Stage 4, Tour of the North

1 David Watson (North Down CC)

2 Angus Fyffe (the Belgian Project)

3 Gareth McCullough (Newry Wheelers)

4 David Hamilton (North Down CC)

5 Craig McAuley (Caldwell Cycles)

6 Ken Tobin (Bikeworx Celbridge) @5secs

7 Mark Downey (Banbridge CC) @5secs

8 Jack Waller (Spirit Bikes) @5secs

9 Karl Morgan (Phoenix CC) @5secs

10 Arian Stolwijk (WTOS-Delft) @5secs