Derny Criterium

Derny criterium racing with Francesca Selva

Derny bikes are a regular part of track racing, especially the six day events. However they weren’t always restricted to the velodrome. Riders realised that riding behind pacers was a brilliant training tool; originally on tandems and then motorcycles. The idea was to train at race speed, giving them the feel of a race. They weren’t just for training though, road races like Bordeaux-Paris would see riders riding hard behind the motors. Nowadays long races like that no longer happen. However if you head over to Europe you can still see a Derny criterium

A Derny criterium is often a fixture of the various town festivals and fairs that take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. As well as the usual hard-charging town centre crits, there’s booming Euro-pop, frites and fun-fair rides; fun for all! A few of these will have a Derny criterium in the mix.

But what is a Derny criterium?

First let’s look at what a Derny is. Invented back in1938 the Derny is a small motorised bike, with it’s engine wedged between the main triangle and bar-mounted fuel tank, they’re easily recognised. The rider bump-starts the 98cc engine and controls the speed via the 70×11 gearing.

While these classic little bikes are perfect for pacing riders around the velodrome, it didn’t take long for organisers to bring them out on to the road. The field is made up of invited riders, there’s only so many Derny riders around. These will include a smattering of professional riders and local heroes; something to keep the crowd happy. How competitive are these races? Well winning the Wilrijk Derny criterium will net the winner 1536 euros, that’s one euro more than the winner of the women’s Paris-Roubaix!

The circuits are the usual Belgian mix of cobbles, tight corners, narrow streets and aggression! The racing needs to be fast and furious, the locals know their racing and expect a fight. With their pilots leading them the speeds are high and communication between the pairs vital. Race formats vary depending on the event, at the Wilrijk criterium there are two races. The first sees two Dernys leading the riders for five laps, after which they are released with 500metres to go. The second race is a longer 45 kilometre race, with riders having their own pilots.

Francesca Selva rides Derny criterium

Francesca Selva is an Italian rider that we spoke to recently about her cycling life. She’s a rider that loves to race and ride. Whether track, road fixed-gear crits or cyclo-cross, she loves racing, and has a national champion’s jersey in fixed-gear racing. So hardly surprising to see her getting invites to race some Derny criteriums this summer. We grabbed her between a busy summer of racing to ask her about these races.

Francesca, Derny criteriums, are they just a Belgian thing?

I think it’s mostly a Belgian thing yes, I think they do a few in the Netherlands too.

How are these events run?

Usually we are racing in town centres where there’s a festival or celebration; there’s food trucks and kid’s playgrounds. Cycling is the national sport, so it’s a chance for the fans to see a bike race while they have a party!

How do you enter, is it invite only?

Derny events are just via invitation, most of the times with big names to attract a lot of spectators.

Do you get to choose your Derny driver? And is the largest gentleman the one you want?

We can’t decide, but I prefer a good driver, one who knows how to pace; an expert with a good technique. (Pairings are usually made with a lucky dip)

Do you get to know your driver and him, you?

You always meet your driver before the race so you can talk to each other.

Who calls the shots, you or the driver, do you develop a telepathic mind-link over time?

Almost, but 99% of the race it’s made by the driver, 1% from the rider that can stop him in case he’s going too fast.

What kind of courses are they ridden on, flat, town centre, technical?

Usually city centre, cobbles, a lot of corners, short laps with a final sprint.

Do you have to change anything on your bike to ride these races?

No personally I don’t, now I’ve a 55t Miche in front so I’ve a proper gear for flat and fast races, the only thing I can change a bit is the tyre pressure/size, but that depends on the course.

Are they fun?

Absolutely yes!

You’ve been riding fixed wheel crits as well (you’ve been the Italian champion) do you think we need more of these different style of races?

I’m back to fixed-wheel crits this year. Unfortunately after Red Hook stopped the movement went a bit quiet. However at the “world championship” last week in Berlin there were a crazy amount of starters, so fixed-gear racing isn’t dead! We just need more races, that would definitely be a good way to attract people.

For the fixed wheel crits what kind of bike and gearing are you using?

I my Handsling TR3evo, same setup except for the wheels. I’ve used Miche 88mm in Berlin and I will use the 60mm for the upcoming Zuricrit because it’s more technical.

Are these events another way to add to your earnings, or just a good way to raise your profile and get some hard training in?

I define myself as a professional but it’s not my job; I can’t even pay the expenses for my travels with the prize money! However these events are a good way to get some money, gain visibility and of course, they’re good training. But mostly I do them because they’re fun!

Thanks Francesca and good luck with the rest of your season!