Isabel Darvill impresses among the elite

Teenage cyclist Isabel Darvill produced one of the most significant results of her career to date.

The 17-year-old, of Newark, was among the top riders at the Women’s HSBC UK/National Circuit Championships at Stockton-on-Tees.

Darvill, riding for Velo Schils-Interbike RT, was the first and only junior to finish the race, as she crossed the line in 19th.

One of the riders who Isabel lapped was Rebecca Durrel, who had won the elite race at the Lincoln Grand Prix.

“I am extremely happy with result. I was able to get on the front row at the start of the race which helped,” Darvill said.

“In the tour series I have always started at the back, which can make racing a lot harder.

“The entire time I was just so happy to be up with the professionals fighting for places on a technical but fun course full of tight corners.

“In the sprint finish I managed to beat two of the pro riders to the line, which topped it off even more.”

Darvill said the result would help give her more belief going into future races.

“I am thrilled with the result as it showed what I really can do when luck is on my side in a race,” she said.

“What made it even better was to find out I was the first junior and only junior to manage to finish.”

On Sunday, Darvill competed in the HSBC UK Junior/ Women’s National Road Race Championship at Witham-on-the-Hill, near Bourne.

She attacked on her own on the first lap and built a 47 second lead — only to have mechanical problems with her chain on the main climb, which saw her drop back to the bunch.

After suffering with tired legs from Friday’s effort at Stockton-on-Tees, she decided to pull out to preserve herself for the WNT Sheffield Grand Prix and Barnsley Grand Prix.
They take place this week.