LOCKDOWN! with Darnell Moore (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)

Over in Ireland, Darnell Moore of Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK is having to get used to no racing after a season opener at the GP Samyn UCI 1.1 in Belgium

LOCKDOWN! with Darnell Moore (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)

Over in Ireland, Darnell Moore of Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK is having to get used to no racing after a season opener at the GP Samyn UCI 1.1 in Belgium

Q: Your last race was what Darnell?
Darnell : Le Samyn GP was my one and only race in 2020 where I was thrown straight in at the deep end. I went into the race with the aim to just to get round as it was a fair step up to what level of racing I was coming from at home. It was the first ever time on cobbles also but I enjoyed every second of it. New kit, new bike, new faces!

Q: With racing cancelled, what’s a typical week training wise for you?
Darnell: A typical week is 13-15 hours with strength training one or two times per week from home to keep myself right. I’m still working 9-2 five days per week but it’s left me with a lot more free time. I’ve tried not to change my training too much although I’ve added a few gravel rides to mix it up a bit too keep it interesting and enjoyable.

Q: Are you enjoying using the turbo or avoiding it like the virus?
Darnell: I never really minded the turbo at all. I use it on a regular basis as some sessions just suit being indoors rather than heading outside, obviously not on a good day! At the moment with a bit more free time, I’m still outdoors solo but not going far from home with all that’s going on.

Q: If on the turbo, what’s your favourite distraction?
Darnell: I only started using Zwift in the past winter and it’s great for passing time. I’ll always have music on also of some sort.

Q: What’s the hardest thing for you about the Lockdown?
Darnell: Being out of routine with having a lot more extra time. Other than that, I haven’t struggled too much and always find something to kill the time.

Q: Besides cycling, what’s your biggest distraction as lock down continues?
Darnell: I’ll always find something to do. The motor needs a bit of TLC so that’s on the agenda. I still have work that’s taking up most of the day for me at the minute.

Q: What’s the weirdest thing you have seen since this crisis began?
Darnell: People stockpiling weird stuff!

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Q: Where you do you enjoy riding your Vitus the most?
Darnell: Can’t really beat home roads on a good day. I’ve some really good roads round me with a mixture of everything. I can’t fault Sierra Nevada or Villajoyosa, it’s nice to get away as it does the head good especially if the weather is poor at home.

Q: What size deep section Prime wheels do you use in training?
Darnell: Prime Baroudeur alloy wheelset 30mm. Solid wheels and take a beating. Great value for money too!

Q: What Namedsport Energy products do you use most on a training ride?
Darnell: I’m a big fan of hydrafit and basically any of their products. Always have a backup gel on a long spin just in-case!

Q: What Schwalbe tyres are you using on your training wheels?
Darnell: Schwalbe one tubeless 28c. Great tyres and tubeless which is even better again.

Q: With chilly weather still with us, how many Velotec layers do you start a ride with?
Darnell: We are spoilt with kit! Meigmeister baselayers always gets a run out in the chill to keep me warm or on the turbo to wick that sweat away. At the moment, with the weather a bit warmer, the kits getting lighter. I can’t fault any kit we got from our clothing sponsors. Between Velotec and Meigmeister, I dont think I’ll be stuck with kit selection hot or cold!

Good luck to Darnell during the rest of lockdown and on the journey towards racing when that resumes in the future.