Geoff and Darren Take a Tumble

Sunday saw the start of the CDNW racing league, it was dry but cold day at Pimbo in Skelmersdale with a strong wind blowing across the course. The Stockport Clarion riders taking to the start were Geoff Burgess, Justin Judder (LOL), & Darren Reynolds. Dunc & Tony marshalled and added support!

The race began well for the Clarion riders with Darren getting away in the early break lasting for 3 or 4 laps. It was hard in the break as the wind blew in with speeds on the drag finish down to 17mph in the bunch and 21 in the break!

Darren & Geoff Up Front

Eventually, the break was dragged in. A rider from the original group decided to stay out and go for a long effort staying away until 3 laps to go. Darren & Geoff were always to the front of the bunch marshalling any attacks, whilst Justin took it easy on the back.

Tony Involved in Mob Flash Incident

Tony & Dunc enjoyed their afternoon sipping coffee & eating Chocolate Brownies. Tony also enjoyed a natural break in full view of the bunch as we flew by! Nice mate!

The Bell rang. Or did it Toll?

As the field hit the bell lap Darren positioned himself 5th wheel on the dangerous drag in case of any attacks but nothing happened. He then let a group of about 15 riders over the top of him in an effort to use them on the strong cross wind drag finish. Tthis worked well; one to remember! (MC's top tip: Having been 5th wheel out of that last corner before, ending up 12th after being out gunned in a too long sprint, better to use a few riders in front of you then come through with 200 to go).

The Final Sprint

Geoff tucked in behind Darren as the sprint began. With 500 meters to go Darren & Geoff had gone clear in a group of 10 as the bunch split. With 200 meters to go Darren was in a line of five riders going for the line as Geoff tucked in behind. Darren was still in the saddle at this point.

Carbon Everywhere!

Then a sudden left turn by a rider to Darren's Left put Darren on the deck at 31mph (Garmin later reported, my HR was 165bpm so lots in the tap). Geoff followed straight over the top. Bang...Crunch...Carbon everywhere...Dush!!! (MC's next top tip...Don't fall off next time Div-head)!!

Dunc Promises D&G New Kit from Club Funds

Both lads ended up OK'ish, with just cuts and bruises! Darren's bike on the other hand, well...Frame cracked, Wheels cracked, Dura ace 7900 Carbon Leavers damaged, £150 Carbon seat right off, and £200 Carbon Chainset snapped, £200 pedals snapped! Both Lads clothing ripped to nothing. Dunc was going to let us have some free replacements apparently Ric!? - (NO. He didn't!!!!!! - Dunc)

Anyway, after all that Darren would just like to point out, the glaringly obvious, I'd won this race all day long!!!! 165bpm at 31mph top 5 with 200 meters to go...GUTTED! this is all backed up by camera & Garmin evidence!! So 10 points to MC!!! LOL LOL!!!!  ;-D

Hope you enjoyed the read.

Boots

MC (Darren: A Run Club Captain)