Thirty-three members of McNally Swords Cycling Club set out last Thursday to decide which of them would become the clubs road race champion for 2004. The race took in three laps of the demanding Gormanston/Stamullen/Whitestown/Clonard circuit - a total distance of 39.15 Km. An early attempt to break free of the main bunch was made by a group of three: Anto McMahon, Seán Tierney, and Gerry Martin. However, just after the start of the last lap the trio became a quartette when James Whelan managed to jump across the gap to join them. Then on the hill out of Stamullen James attacked again, and jumped clear as he could see the main bunch were gaining ground, and closing in. From that point to the finish James gave it 100% to stay away, and survive attempts to catch him. That he did so, and eventually cross the finish line 100 meters in front is a clear indication of the promise of this young cyclist - not yet 18 years of age - and now McNally Swords Club Champion.