It was an unfamiliar calm start to the day on Saturday, starting with the women’s skills session at 9.30 which provided time for a leisurely course set up and even a sneaky fry up. This however, set a false expectation for the days activities and the usual chaotic fun expected at the Haus events soon ensued.
First to race the hallowed tarmac of Darley were the Cat4s who started at a blistering pace. Low winds and glorious sunshine meant the racing was fast all day and while you may not of been guaranteed BC points, everyone left with some decent tan lines!
Anyway, back to the racing and the first decisive point of the race was around the 25min mark when a slight touch of wheels brought down 2 riders which split the field. Luckily, everyone was relatively unharmed but the racers caught behind, which included returning ‘Craig goes cycling’, were never able to catch back up to the main peloton.
The second decisive move happened when Degaga Jeno, who had an excellent junior career in Ethiopia and is now trying to work his way up the UK ranks, attacked the pack and held them at bay for the final 15mins of the race to solo to a decisive victory. The bunch came hurtling in to claim places 2 through to 10, with Grezegorz Garek of Provision RT taking second from regular Dan Jones of Lyme RC.
Next up was the highly anticipated finale of the Fusion Media Women’s Series. Now I’m not meant to have a favourite race, but I’m also not meant to have a favourite child (Pip), and this lived up to the hype with 20 riders making the start line.
The race was competitive throughout, but with no major teams represented, it was difficult for any rider to get away. All indications suggested a repeat of the 2nd event was on the cards and as we prepped for a final 200m bunch sprint, Lucy Buckley from Team Empella took everyone by surprise with a long range effort even Pog would of been proud of.
The sprinters from the bunch did their best to reel Lucy back in but she was able to hold them off and celebrate as she crossed the line. Epic efforts saw Hannah Clough from Notts Uni take second and Olivia Shanon take third. If you don’t follow us on insta, I suggest you head over and relive the sprint which I believe was excellently captured 😉
Next it was the turn of the Open E123. Without local hero Adam Kenway, it seemed a relatively tame start by their own ridiculous standards however normal service soon resumed and the bunch was strung out chewing on their stems.
At roughly 30mins into the race (I should probably start timing stuff), a group of watts to kgs I can only dream of got away away from the pack and never looked back. This included previous winner and points hoover Bernard Galea from Team SPRNT and Prime specialist Dean Watson of Wold Top The Edge Pactimo.
This group was destined to claim the top 7 places but who was going to sprint to the win. For some reason John Archibald from Huub Wattshop didn’t fancy a sprint and attacked the lead group, soloing the last 5(ish) laps to victory with a very impressive gap. Tom Mazzone sprinted to second which now begs the question of which Mazzone brother is the fastest at Darley, and in a bitter twist of fate, Bernard rolled Dean on the line for third. Honourable mention has to go to on loan Haus hunk, Jacob Day from Velobavarian RT who claimed 15th place and secured his first points at Darley this year.
It would be remiss of me not to mention that there was a crash at the chicane in the closing sprint from the main group and in the heat of the moment a few tempers were flared. Everyone kissed and made up at the end. We hope the injured riders heal fast and will be back at Darley in the near future.
I’d also like to point out that no matter your skill or category, it’s imperative to listen to the marshals and commissionaires, we really only have your safety in mind. Please be respectful to all riders and staff – we want to encourage everyone to feel safe, have fun, learn and enjoy bike racing at our events.
Back to the action, it was the turn of the Open 3/4s in the last race of the day which saw a field of over 50 riders take to the start line. This promised to be the most tactical race with a number of clubs represented in the bunch. Most active in the early stages was the rebel alliance between Ilkeston CC and Velospeed Coaching, formed over their love of orange and the velodrome, they attempted to get riders in a break throughout the race utilising notorious crit specialist, Dunc the Tank.
They were successful in the latter stages when they were able to get Josh Gilbert in a strong break that also consisted of Evan Schofield of Beeston CC, Chris Childs of Bridgnorth CC, Thomas Lee from Sheffrec CC and Joe Whittle of VeloBavarian RT.
The five were left to sprint for the podium places and prizes, with Evan, Chris and Josh taking up the top 3 spots while Thomas and Joe managed to hold off the closing pack who sprinted for the remaining BC points.
Each race also included our Full Gas Prime Lap with the winners receiving two bags of their high caffeine blend.
Full race results and podium snaps below, along with links to all of our amazing content creators – please show them some love – they make the Haus events special!
If you have made it this far you are an absolute legend. Please let me know on our socials if you enjoy these reports and feel free to suggest any improvements. Lastly we’re back in June for 2 events and it would be amazing to see you all there!
8th June – Darley Moor Summer Special
Have a good one. Till next time..
Haus Race Team
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