Feature photo courtesy of Karine Junique (France) Photos in the report as indicated
Foreword Dany: ” Got in touch with Darren yesterday just after he finished his morning training run to congratulate him on his latest stage race win…his 3rd in a row within 2 weeks and asked him to describe his latest win and how he has done it. Darren told me that without the strong team TEAM 31 JOLLYCYCLES U19 he is racing for this would not be possible… an admirable character and team player he is for sure, and it will take him far. He must be the junior in France to fear and certainly will attract the interest of the mayor pro teams in times to come!! Well done my young friend…Live the dream and enjoy the accolade…your spirit is an example to any young rider in Ireland! Here below is his story of the weekend>>
“Last weekend I was racing at Tour de la Vallée de la Trambouze not far from Lyon in a french National race with 111 juniors. Sunday morning was a 14k TT in which I finished 3rd, 30secs from the winner. Going into the 114 k afternoon stage I knew I had a lot of work to do and halfway through a breakaway built up a lead of 1’30. With 3 laps of the 14k circuit left I attacked from the peloton and bridged across to the breakaway which eventually split with me and 3 others coming to the line together around 3mins ahead of the peloton, taking second on the stage and as a result the overall GC also. My team 31 Jolly cycles also won the team prize. Thanks for all the support from Ireland, it’s much appreciated, Darren“
Darren won last week the “Ronde sud Bourgogne” winning the TT stage, and stage 4!! One week earlier Darren already won the “Tour du Carmausin-Ségala” Some CV he is building in cycling…on and off-road…a very versatile young man from Dungannon would you not say?
