Windy yet again at Darley Moor

John Hinksman Memorial Circuit Races - 26/08/2006 - Darley Moor, Ashbourne

Not a breath of wind anywhere in the UK today……except Darley Moor where it was blowing like fury. With a lack of racing anywhere else local at the weekend, Andy and Gareth ventured to Darley Moor for some circuit racing.

Gareths race diary....

'I lined up for the E.1.2 with a lack of confidence. I had been suffering with a sore throat and stuffy head all week but was hoping it had now shifted. After the usual fast start, Andy and myself got in all the moves going and it looked like Andy made the decisive move after just 2 laps but this didn’t make it and was brought back after a few laps of freedom. When Andy’s move was brought back, I went on the attack following Neil Beasley (Ashfield RC) and Andy Stuart (Ashfield RC). Shortly after, Dave Clarke (Team Nippo) and Paul Wright (Go Sports Spex) joined us and Wright and Clarke started to drive it hard. I knew at this point I hadn’t got over the cold and my legs just weren’t functioning at all. I was really struggling to contribute effectively but our group of 5 were pulling well clear of a developing chasing group.

At 5 laps to go we were half a lap up on the bunch with 4 chasers closing us down and a group containing Andy and Matt Charity (De Rosa) had also broken away from the bunch. At the bell we had just a few seconds over the chasing group behind who duly caught us with 200 metres to go but I just didn’t have anything left to respond and drifted in at the back of the group for 9th place.

Next group in was led by Andy who out sprinted David Perry (Ashfield RC), Rob Parkin (Heanor Clarion) and Matt Charity (De Rosa RT) for 10th place.

An annoying day for me, if I had been going as well as previous weeks we wouldn't have got caught and I would have fancied my chances'.