Q&A: Darnell Moore (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)

A new name to many followers of the sport in Britain, Darnell Moore was 4th, finishing with Jacob Scott, on that epic stage 4 of the Manx International – he’s another of the new signings for Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK

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Q&A: Darnell Moore (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)

Where in Ireland you based?
Darnell: I’m based in a small town outside Omagh in Northern Ireland

Have you been full time, a student or working?
Darnell: I’ve been working full time for four years now in a local car garage Pat Kirks with three years part time studying thrown in there also.

Was riding for a UCI team a key goal for 2020?
Darnell: No never! It really came out of the blue for me receiving a phone call from Cherie and it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It didn’t take me long to decide on what I was for doing.

What does it mean to you to sign for a team with a long history in the sport?
Darnell: It’s a really good opportunity for me to get some more experience in bigger races. With the team coming up to three years old and with a lot of teams disappearing off the radar this past few months, it was great to get offered a spot on the squad.

What was the highlight of the 2019 season for you?
Darnell: Highlight of my 2019 race season was probably my result at Isle of Man 3 day on the final stage (4). We only had a small regional squad over but we all tried our part in the race to get stuck in as there’s not much point in rolling around in the bunch for a whole day! I think it was the area and the location of the race that really helped also. And really anything I won or did well in was a highlight.

You finished second to Conor Dunne (at the road nationals 2018) who people here will know, does that give you a lot of motivation to go UCI and see where this career takes you?
Darnell: The year I finished 2nd at the road nationals was a class year for me. I was cyclo cross national champion, 2nd in the combined Elite/U23 road race championship grabbing the U23 jersey in the process and also winning the hill climb nationals. But I never really decided on giving it ago if I am totally honest.

Tell us about the race you were second to Conor and won the U23 championship
Darnell: Ha ha, it’s the best legs I’ve ever had. Every move of the day, I was present and with all the big hitters about I knew it would be hard but you just need to ride your own race and forget about everyone else. I ending up with Conor Dunne up the road in a two up and having 2:35 on the group of chasers was just madness that day. When he hit me coming into the finish, I chased for a while, keeping the throttle stuck open and I still had 2:20 on the line to Mark Downey who finished 3rd that day.

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Was there one thing you learned in 2019 that stands out?
Darnell: Relax, chill out and don’t get too wound up about stuff that goes wrong. It’s important to do stuff that doesn’t involve the bike also.

How long have you been racing?
Darnell: 6/7 years

Will you or have you already competed in CX this winter?
Darnell: I’ve done a good stint of CX this year as I do every year as its a great discipline. You don’t need to be out riding the road all the time.

Is CX for fun or a discipline you enjoy winning in?
Darnell: I love cyclo cross. It’s just full gas for an hour and your done! I love the odd cyclo cross win but the January nationals is always a target and the one that really counts.

Photo: Toby Watson 

Is your winter training structured the whole time or a mix of riding the bike easy and then getting serious with top end work?
Darnell: Its a mixture. It’s good to mix it up with gym and running also.

Do you train alone or is there a chain gang where you live?
Darnell: It all depends on what my coach Barry Monaghan has me doing I wouldn’t be one for going out on a group ride to turn people inside out. The majority of my training is done alone though with group rides now and then.

Finally, what races in 2020 are ones you really want to work towards being part of.
Darnell: I’d love a chance to ride the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour of Britain but I’m happy to do whatever the team asks me. I know I’m the new boy so I’ll need to earn my spurs!

Good luck to Darnell in 2020 with Vitus Pro Cycling p/b BrotherUK

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