#jamesmappin

This week saw six of our riders compete in racing at Darley Moor and the Sheffrec 2-up respectively on what must have been the warmest (but windiest) day of the year so far. 

Both Michael and James headed to Darley Moor for their first races of the season amongst a field of over 85 riders who would lap the 2.3km circuit 22 times in blustery conditions. Not much happened in the first half of the race. People tried to get away but to no avail. Michael tried an attack which we later found that put James into the red but that didn't stick and the group was soon back together. 

A break finally managed to get away with six laps to go and the winner would come from that duo despite a late attack from the bunch to catch them. Michael got across to a chasing group of five but got caught 200m from the line. 

James on the other hand found himself behind a crash with three laps remaining which forced him to come to a halt. Fortunately he wasn't involved but that meant a big sprint to get back onto the group from what was a good position. As the final lap came James sat up as they exited the final corner deciding not to contest the sprint. 

Overall both Michael and James were content with their performances after going into the race just wanting to test their legs and gauge their winter training on the rest of the field.