Summer Special Race Report – 8th June

On arrival of the hallowed tarmac of Darley Moor it definitely felt like we had tempted fate by calling the event ‘Summer Special’ as we were greeted by grey skies, drizzle and the cat 4’s warming up in rain jackets. However, if Bas promises sunshine, it’s sunshine you will get, and as the racing kicked off, the clouds disappeared and the weather soon matched the racing! 

22 brave souls started the race but unfortunately there was a touch of wheels as the peloton slowed down into the headwind and we did loose a few riders with a few riders getting caught behind the crash including eventual winner Joseph Walker from Velo Bavarian who spent a good 5 laps chasing back on before before then breaking away from the main group and soloing to victory. Dominic Horsfield and Mikey Heathcote sprinted from the bunch to take the remaining podium spots, and it was a good day for Mikey as he had already picked up the Full Gas Coffee Co sprint lap earlier in the race. Final mention has got to go to Alex Whittaker who took a break from posing and picked up some very handy BC points in 5th place! 

Next up was a 234 race which is the first time we’ve hosted one this year.  We wanted to use the support races to try some new formats. in prep for some big plans we have next year, so watch this space! Anyway, back to the racing which was rapid, with groups constantly trying to force a breakaway. The best of the attempts came from James Bentley from Race Ride Fire who spent 6 laps away on his own, only to be reeled in with about 20mins left of the race. 

However, it wasn’t long before he was back in a break, this time with 5 other riders who stayed away to the finish. James attacked with a very early sprint to take the win, with Joshua Horsfield (Mud Dock Racing) and Lui Pollastone (Reflex Racing) making up a hotly contested podium.

Then it was the turn of the Women’s racers to close out the morning before our focus shifted to the National Disability and Paracycling TT Championship. Unfortunately it wasn’t the big field we had seen recently, but 7 riders made the start line which meant only the top 3 would score BC points. 

The lack of numbers didn’t seem to dampen spirits and the racing was fast from the (imaginary) gun. Melissa Denman of Stolen Goat fame set the early pace, stringing out the group. After 3 laps, the elastic finally snapped, leaving Melissa out on her own followed by two chasing groups.

The two chasing groups eventually merged but they were never able to catch Mellissa who showed her true class by encouraging first time racer Isla on her way to victory. Local rider Cerys Greaves from Lichfield CC and Rose Simmons edged out a couple of Velo Bavarian riders, to take the 2nd and 3rd respectively. 

I won’t go on to try and explain the TT races that followed, but it was a truly inspirational afternoon that reminded us anything is possible with the right mindset. We are very thankful to British Cycling for the opportunity to be involved – all in all, a very long, enjoyable and rewarding day at Darley again! 

If this report has got your racing juices flowing, we’re back again on the 29th June – Ev6 for event 6 of our series. Can you believe we only have 3 races left this year, so make sure you get booked on before you miss out!  

Have a good one. Till next time.. 

Haus Race Team