Watson swaps MXGP ride for Enduro World Champs

The 21-year-old has had a tough time in his first full year in MXGP, missing half of the 18-round season and ending up ranked 23rd in the world with his best result a 10-10 card in Czecho that was good enough for a top-10 finish.

"A week before the first European GP I broke my wrist at the first German championship round," he said.

"I jumped too far and landed in a hole and that ruined the start of the season.

"I was out for 12 weeks and missed a lot of racing and lost some speed and fitness. I started to get back into it and I had some good speed at times but I also had a bit of bad luck. I had a couple of options to stay in MXGP next year but I got a real good offer from KTM and I fancy a new challenge - I'm looking forward to it."

It says a lot about the high regard KTM hold him in that he's been offered a deal in a sport in which he'll start a world championship campaign as a complete novice.

"I've not got any experience in the type of enduros I'm going to be racing - I've never actually done one in my life - but I've done a British sprint enduro and I do a lot of beach racing.

"I've just never had any practice with a timecard enduro.

"To be honest if you can a ride a bike then you can ride a bike whether it's enduro or motocross.

"I did a test [for the factory] and it went pretty good and I guess they're looking for some new riders to bring into the sport and I think that's good for the sport.

"I'm really happy about it and I wouldn't say I was surprised to be offered a deal. I believe in myself.

"Obviously, it's going to be a shock to some people considering I've never done a race."

Nathan, this year's Weston Beach Race winner, will contest the eight-round 2016 EWC in the E1 class on an EXC-F 250 and gets his championship campaign under way in Morocco in early April. Before then he plans to put in some serious saddletime.

"Over the winter I'm going to have to change the way I train," he said. "It's different to motocross in terms of how long you're on a bike so I'll need to work on my endurance and do a lot more technical riding.

"If I can do a lot of riding and do some fitness training then hopefully I can be at a better level than the other guys."

While his fans won't get to see him in action in this winter's indoor SuperEnduro world championship he's not ruling out getting into the mix in 12 months time.

"I've just signed to race the world championship next year and I've got to do some international races. I haven't planned on doing any indoor stuff but we'll see how next year goes and maybe next winter I'll be racing indoors as well.

"I'm just going to go with the flow."

With his dad Rob Meek an accomplished enduro rider and younger brother Ben a top-flight motocrosser, Nathan can count on family support to help him make the transition.

"My dad's always helping out and he's had a bit of experience of enduros. He's always there to give me some help and tips.

"Ben's happy for me and he'll support me the same as if I was riding motocross.

"I don't think he really cares to be honest - he's just focusing on what he's got to do - but we'll keep riding together, nothing's going to change."

KTM is clearly planning ahead by signing Nathan, as its Enduro and Rally Division Manager Alex Doringer is quick to point out.

"The addition of Nathan Watson, who comes to us from motocross, gives us the opportunity to groom a promising young talent for the future."