Personal development is something that Datalynx always encourages and takes seriously, so sponsoring Datalynx – Parenesis Cycling, a cycle racing team which aims to bring out the best in its riders and to support the charity Prostate Cancer UK, fits happily with its ethos.
Isabella Johnson, at sixteen a first-year junior rider, took part in the Witham Hall Grand Prix stage race at the weekend. A National Series event, it was always going to be challenging, especially for a rider from a time trialling background for whom racing in a group with other riders and having to cope with changes in pace is completely new. The going was frequently tough but nonetheless, Isabella showed great grit and determination over a really tough couple of days to complete the prologue time trial and both road stages. It will have been an experience which will help prepare her for more road racing in the future.
Isabella explained that the changes in pace – and the sheer speed up the short but sharp Lincolnshire hills – had surprised her. Positioning was also difficult and she found herself being held up by crashes on the first stage. “I felt really sorry for the riders who came down; one had a large cut right across her cheek”, Isabella told us. As a rider who is relatively new to road racing she recognised how tough the transition to road racing will be but is not phased and is completely up for the challenge.
We wish Isabella and the rest of the Datalynx-Parenesis team a very successful 2019 season!
