Bingley’s Rob Watson (Paul Milnes RT/Bradford Olympic RC) was fourth in round nine of the CXNE event at South Shields yesterday.

He was pipped to the line by Jack Clarkson (Pedalsport) in a race that was was won by elite rider Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) from Steve Ward (MTS Racing).

North Yorkshire’s Noel Clough (Wheelbase) took fifth, with national champion Ian Bibby (Motorpoint/Marshalls Pasta) sixth.

Watson sets off tomorrow to Belgium to ride at Loenhout in an under-23 GVA Trophy event.