2004 Index
2003 League & Racing Round-up 2003 by Hugh Byrne December 2003
New Years Day Triathlon, Edinburgh by Brian Crinion January 1st 2003
Caroline Kearney signs for French First Division Tri Team by Hugh McAtamney Feb 2004
Anto's Hometown Race , South Africa by Anthony Cooper Mar 6th 2004\
Tandem Cycling Ireland Spalding Spin by Bernie McNally April 24th 2004
McNally Swords CC RR C/ship by Hugh Byrne July 8th 2004
Kathleen O'Sullivan Memorial by Hugh Byrne July 15th 2004
IVCA Age Standard C/ship, Batterstown by Hugh Byrne July 18th 2004
McNally Swords Grand Prix(A/B Race) by Hugh Byrne August 8th 2004
McNally Swords Grand Prix(C/V/J Race) by Hugh Byrne August 8th 2004
IVCA Age Related C/ship ,Summerhill by Hugh Byrne Aug 8th 2004
IVCA Memorial Cups by Hugh Byrne August 15th 2004
The Road to Athens........... by Ian Mahon August 2004
National U/age Championships, Drogheda by Pat Halpin August 21/22nd 2004
2004 Dolan Nationals Track Championships by Kieran Whelan August 28/29th 2004
Irish National Time Trial Championships 2004 September 11th 2004

Irish National Time Trial Championships 2004 September 11th 2004
Exerpt from Press Release
“The Irish National Time Trial Championships were promoted by Killorglin Credit Union Cycling Club on Saturday, 11th September, 2004. The event which was sponsored by the Red Fox Inn was run over a course around Caragh Lake and Glencar.  The course itself was not chosen with the TT specialist in mind. The roads were narrow and winding with two long drags to test the best of legs.”

Junior men:
1, James Whelan (McNally Swords) 13.5 miles in 36 mins
2, Patrick Clarke (Castlebar CC) at 2 mins 38 secs
3, Marcus Treacy (Killarney CC) at 3 mins 46 secs

James Whelan (McNally Swords) posted a dominant performance in the junior contest, finishing two minutes 38 seconds and three minutes 46 seconds clear of Patrick Clarke (Castlebar CC) and Marcus Treacy (Killarney CC)

James Whelan, McNally Swords won the Junior men’s race in a time of 36 minutes. This was a fine effort from James which would have put him in the top ten of the elite men at the 13 mile time check and at the 8.5 mile time check”

2004 Dolan Nationals Track Championships August 28/29th 2004
Report by Kieran Whelan
H Hugh,
Good morning, I hope you are well.  Sorry we couldn't make it to the final league race yesterday as James was competing in the Nat Track Champs.  I hope everything went well for everybody who attended.  It was s very good year for the League I thought with plenty of new faces, augers well for the future.
I thought you'd like to have some results for the web.  James decided during the year he'd like to have a go at the Track, as it's a new discipline for him.  CI lent him a bike for the league and he competed in the latter half of the Track League.  He started off in the 2^nd cat section and picked up a couple of wins and then got bumped up to 1^st Cat which is a lot more difficult.  Anyhow he garnered enough points to win the Junior section.  Last Saturday and Sunday he took part in the Junior National Track Championships, where he won up 2 gold and 2 silver medals. This was after a heavy crash on Saturday morning in the Sprint qualifiers.  [please note: new helmet, skinsuit and overshoes requiredJ].  He got patched by the first-aiders and got back up to rerun his heat shortly afterwards.  He'll pick up his medals and Jerseys at the CI awards dinner later in the year.  I'll let you have photos ASAP.That's all for now. Talk to you soon. Kieran

2004 DOLAN NATIONAL TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS The Eamon Ceannt cycle track, Sundrive Road Saturday 28th Sunday 29th of August. Junior 3km pursuit 1, James Whelan (McNally Swords) 4 mins 7.95 secs 2, Urban Monks (Bray Wheelers) 4 mins 25.44 secs Junior sprint 1, Michael Murray (Clann Eireann) 2, James Whelan (McNally Swords) Junior 1 kilometre time trial (Photo right>>) 1, James Whelan (McNally Swords) 1 minute 19.89 secs 2, Michael Murray (Clann Eireann) 1 min 21.18 secs Junior points 1, Urban Monks (Bray Wheelers) 16 points 2, James Whelan (McNally Swords) 13 points U16 points 1, Diarmuid Cronin (Ushers IRC) 2, Gavin Pike (Worldwide Cycles) 3, Michael Daly (McNally Swords)

Photos : James Whelan & Urban Monks (Bray)

Cycling Ireland Track League Sundrive Road every Saturday during the summer
Junior Section       League Winner   James Whelan 29 Points

National U/age Championships, Drogheda August 21/22nd 2004

Report from Pat Halpin This years National Underage Championships were organised by Drogheda Wheelers over three stages scored on points with the highest overall points total determining the winners in each age category. Swords were ably represented in two age categories U11 by James Morgan and U 16 Michael Daly, Stephen Halpin and Grace McNally. Saturday morning's time trial was a very competitive affair. In the Under 11 James Morgan placed 8th, a very good start to the competition. In the Under 16 section Stephen Halpin finished 6th overall in a time of 4.14 with Michael Daly 8th in 4.16 and Grace McNally 18th in 4.40. A very good team performance!!! Time for some R & R before the afternoon crit stage. This was held on dry roads over a two mile circuit the U11's doing 3 laps while the Under 16's did nine. In the U11 race James rode very aggressively to finish 8th , a great ride leaving him 8th overall going into the final day. At Under 16 a very fast competitive race saw Jeremiah O'Sullivan of Killorglin finishing alone to take the win while our riders rode strongly. Michael finishing 9th , Stephen 10th and Grace 18th. This left Stephen 8th overall, Michael 9th and Grace riding well for the team finishing 18th overall at the end of the first day. Sunday say the weather take a turn for the worst with wind and heavy rain as the riders faced a road stage over an undulating six mile lap. The U11 raced over one lap while the U16 had five circuits to complete. In the U11 race James rode strongly from the line and showed great grit and determination finishing 7th in the stage and 8th overall for the Championship. Only racing a short few months James seems to have a great future ahead of him.<<Right : James Morgan ready for the off in the TT

Training started to get more serious in 2004 after a short winter break I was selected onto a Para-Olympic Panel as a Tandem Pilot for Athens with Philip Finnegan (Pilot), Denis Toomey (Pilot), Mark Kehoe (Stoker), Seamus Kelly (Stoker) and Billy Shanahan (Stoker). Now the fun had begun!! In February we headed off for a 2 weeks of intensive Time Trialing and Training in Majorca and completed the Three Monasteries Challenge. In April I took part in a 26 mile Time Trial in Spalding with a 5 strong Tandem Team from Tandem Cycling Ireland. Mark and myself were third in our category. The other Tandems did very well and Ireland took the team prize. The next event was the Irish Blind Sports May Games. Seamus and myself were 2nd in the National Time Trial Championship and winner of the Blind Sports 25 mile Time Trial. Mark and Denis finished second on the Blind Sports Time Trial. In June 2 Tandems from Tandem Cycling Ireland took part in a weeks racing in Belgium. This was the first time that an Irish team had competed in this event. Seamus and myself, Denis and Mark did very well considering we were competing against Professional Tandem Teams including Once, Rabobank, German, French and Belgian National Teams. We finished 37th & 38th out of 46 teams. This week proved that the Irish were making a mark in Tandem Cycling in Europe. The next venue was the Manchester Velodrome in order to prove that we could qualify in the track event along with the road for Athens. Mark and myself completed a weekend's coaching in order to prepare ourselves for racing 2 weeks later. We won our Match Sprint and Kilometre Pursuit.

IVCA Memorial Cup August 15th 2004
Report from Hugh Byrne
In the A Race Sean Lally (McNally Swords) got clear with Daryl Bent (Stagg Lucan) just before the race emerged on to the Navan road section on lap 1 of the two lap event. This pair worked well together to establish an advantage and defend a gap that hovered at about 30 seconds. This duo stayed clear for an entire lap until Anthony mcMahon (McNally Swords) got clear of the buch at more or less the same section that Sean & Daryl had attacked on lap 1. A glance back showed Sean that he had a teammate coming accross, so he eased slightly to let him on (but as Sean said there was steam coming out of him at this stage!!!). Anto attacked on Soldiers Hill and there was no response from Daryl, but he had been out there for an entire lap. Once Anto had established a gap Sean then jumped accross to leave the two Swords men clear to the line. In the B race, eventual winer Karl Naylor (McNally Swords) was in practically every move. He moved clear will a small group of riders and had a good gap before there was a reaction from the main bunch which then split as riders tried to get accross. .On the final lap Karl rode away from the lead group on Soldiers Hill and once he realised that he had a gap, kept it going all the way to the line.
The C race came down to bunch sprint in which Dave Blake (McNally Swords) finished 2nd to winner Eddie Dunne. But as Eddie is a former All Ireland Track Sprint Champoin, Dave needn't feel too bad about it !!!!
Two out of the three cups going to Swords riders (plus two 2nd places). Not a bad days work!!!!

IVCA Age Related C/ship August 8th 2004
Report from Hugh Byrne
40-49 Race: The IVCA Age related C/ships unfortunately clashed with our own Swords Grand Prix but as defending champion Anto McMahon received a special 'dispensation' from Joe to defend his title or to at least make sure it went to a Swords rider. Last time out it was a Swords 1-2-3 but it was done the hard way!!! This time the plan was for Pat Halpin to attack early and for Anto to just follow the remaining principles until (or if..) Pat was caught. As it turned out Gerry Brannigan (Orwell) attacked nearly from the line followed by an Usher rider. This move was covered and the Usher rider sat up, but Gerry kept going & was joined by Pat Halpin (McNally Swords). Se Weston (Dublin Wheelers), possibly the main dangerman, missed this move and was stuck on the front and no one was too anxious to help him bridge the gap. This was perfect for Anto. Eventually he did make the move to get accross, with the Usher rider and Anto doing policeman. Anto resolutely refused to go through, which eventually discouraged the Usher rider and forced Se to do all the work. It took nearly a lap to get accross and when they did then Anto took up the running while Pat recovered. By the time they hit the Mullagh for the last time it was down to Se and the Swords duo. Time to work Se over some more. After some discussion Anto told Pat to sit in on the Trim road section and to attack at a predetermined point and if he was caught Anto would counter. When Pat launched about 5 miles out, he did so pretty decisively and it left for Se to once again close it down with Anto back in tow. A last ditch surge by the Dublin Wheelers rider on the run in nearly paid off as he got within 20 yards only for Anto to deliver the final blow by coming off his wheel to take 2nd place with Pat safely accross the line. A classic example of teamwork where numerical advantage is everything. Either could have won and both had been prepared to sacrifice themselves for the other. Previous wins for Pat had always come in Time Trails and although he has often been placed, this was his first ever victory in a road race.
Race Result :Summerhill (51 miles) 2 hours 13 min
1. Pat Halpin (McNally Swords); 2. Anthony McMahon (McNally Swords); 3. Se Westom (Dublin Whlrs All Systems).

McNally Swords Grand Prix,Aug 8th 2004
Report from Hugh Byrne
A/B Race: This years Swords Grand Prix moved from its more usual Ballyboughal -Nags Head -Naul circuit to a circuit most would remember as that used by the Liam Toolin race. Five times up the Nags Head from the more difficult side for the combined A/'B's was going to be testing enough without the strong winds & driving rain that the riders had to contend with. The race started in Ballyboughal and headed for the old Balbriggan Road, then travelled north to turn at the Five Roads and then left and up the Nags Head from a direction that presented the riders with a more challenging climb that the races more usual route. The A bunch combined well with everone riding 'up & over' and caught the B bunch just before the hit the climb on Lap 1. The bunch hit the climb hard and some riders may have underestimated just how long it was nor known how it steepens towards the top, as the bunch was well and truly split with about fifteen A's and ten B's getting clear before the race crested the hill for the first time.
With the day that was in it, all sections of the course presented difficulties, battling into the wind on the decent, crosswind on the next section and a tailwind driving the speed up to 40mph on the main road ..........and then the climb!!!! These conditions caused the break to reduce slightly even before they attacked the hill for the second time and by the time they reach the top it was down to the six A riders who would eventually fight out for the final placings, and two B's, John Dooras (Sorrento) & Paddy Kelly (Bray). All eight riders worked hard in the break, and they had to, as the bunch were only at 30 sec. The two B riders were still in contention up to the bell, when a surge on the hill saw the six A's go clear . Cycleways had numerical advantage with 3 riders in the break, Mark Cassidy, Philip Finegan & Aidan Crowley, against Brian Keane (Dublin Wheelers) and Greg Swinard & Shane Baker (Usher). Mark Cassidy attacked & got a gap just before Ballyboughal while his teamates sat on, forcing Shane, Brian & Greg to do the chasing. Mark held them off for quite a few miles but all six were back together before last time up the climb to the finish. Brian Keane (DWCC) forced the pace last time up as he had been strongest on the climb each time before. He stretched out the lads slightly but failed to lose either Cassidy or Finegan. One more big attack from the Dublin Wheelers rider nearly paid off but Finegan got by him with 30 yards to go only to be pipped by teamate Mark Cassidy. Third place went to Brian Keane with Shane Baker (Usher) 4th at 10 sec, and Aidan Crowley (Cycleways) ,Greg Swinard (Usher) another 30 sec back.
A second win in two days for Mark (and a second r-up spot for Philip!!!) and the ideal was to finish off his racing season in Ireland as he heads off to France to ride with VC La Pomme. A great talent and still only nineteen years of age.
A/B Race (58 miles)
1. Mark Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand); 2. Philip Finegan (Cycleways Lee Strand); 3. Brian Keane (Dublin Whlrs All Systems);
4. Shane Baker (Usher Irish Road Club); 5. Aidan Crowley Cycleways Lee Strand); 6. Greg Swinand (Usher Irish Road Club)
Unp. B. Daire O'Sullivan (Rubex Naas)

C/V/J Race: After a few attempts on Lap1 from a lively Brian Cunningham (Stagg Lucan), the decisive move of the day came when Fergus Ryan (McNally Swords CC) attacked on the fast main road section before they turned to climb on the bell lap. This was the fastest section of the race with the tailwind pushing the speed up to near 40mph, such that if you got a gap it would be difficult to peg back. Fergus was then able to attack the climb at his own pace while behind the race exploded on the climb with attacks coming from Cunningham and the Murphy-Gunn duo of Terry Ferris & Martin Thompson. At the top Fergus still held a defendable gap from three riders, Ferris, Cunningham and Nathan Hannigan (Les Jeune), and these were just clear of a five man group which included Martin Thomson, and Swords duo Alan Duffy , & Junior for the day, Michael Daly. When Hannigan punctured , it left Ferris & Cunningham, the task to trying to catch Ryan whose triathlon time trial experience stood to him as all dug deep in the dificult conditons. With teamates up the road, Thompson, Daly & Duffy had to do enough to keep their 5 man group clear of the main pack but not dare risk aiding the Usher & Stamullen rider in getting accross. This group stayed clear and Fergus Ryan just held on to take the win by 10 seconds from Brian Cunningham who was a few seconds clear of Stagg Lucan 3 day winner , Terry Ferris. These 3 were about 20 second clear of the chasing five riders with young Michael Daly taking the 1st Junior pot and Thompson getting the Unplaced Vet pot for the 2nd time in two days. Not a bad result for Swords taking 1st & 1st Jun and for Murphy Gunn -2 riders -2 prizes. Special mention for Alan Duffy who all tell me climbed exceptionally well and to Swords newbie 'No Fear' O'Dwyer who crashed trying to take the corner on the decent too fast & too wide. He was back racing on wed in the Club League even though his hip only stopped bleeding that morning.
An excellent result for Fergus holding off such formidable opposition or as Nathan put it he 'did well considering so many Swords riders were riding at the front!!!!' Now ye werent chasing down your own rider, ......nah ye would do that !!!!!
Senior C/V/J Race (34 miles)
1. Fergus Ryan (McNally Swords CC); 2. Brian Cunningham (Staggs Lucan CC); 3. Terry Ferris (Murphy-Gunn CC)
Unp. Vet. Martin Thompson (Murphy Gunn CC)
Unp. J. Michael Daly (McNally Swords CC)
Ladies 1. Caroline Kearney (McNally Swords CC); 2. Julie 0’Hagan (Dublin Whlrs All Systems)

IVCA Age Standard C/ship,Batterstown July 18th 2004
Report from Hugh Byrne
The IVCA Road Race Championship is a race run on an age based h/cap and those who have maintained exceptional levels of fitness lay down the challenge to the younger vets and certainly today there were good spatterings of talent throughout all age groups. The race was run starting & finishing in Batterstown and ran over four laps of the Green Sheds (well they used to be green). Plenty of talent on show in the 40/44 & 45/49 groups and if (or when!!) these groups got together they would certainly eat rapidly into the h/cap. Up ahead Fred Harte was in a group of 4 riders ten minutes behind the limit group, with the the 'superstars' group consisting of (among others) the Lally's, Paddy Davis, Liam Keenan, Eddie Dunne, John McSherry and Pat Halligan chasing down Freds group. The chase must have been hard enough as some notables were missing when Seans group caught up with Fred. All nine riders then worked steadily up and over as there was still one group up the road and there were also the small matter of the young fellas in hot pursuit!!! The group continued to work together 'encouraged' by Jimmy. As long as everyone worked there would be no jumping (not for awhile anyway!!!).
Coming up Warrenstown, going into the last lap, Jimmy jumped and was joined nearly immediately by Sean and both made their power to weight ratio count on the only hill on the course. Fred dearly wanted to be in this break but obviously could make no attempt that would risk anyone else getting accross. Unusually Liam Keenan missed the move and Fred 'hoped' that he might make an attempt to get accross. He surely did (...several times) and each time Fred marked it.
Meanwhile up ahead Sean & Jimmy still had plenty to do. Fifteen miles to go, riders to catch and the small matter of staying clear!!!. There is no place to hide in a 2-man break!! On the run into Batterstown a quick check on the long straight section told them that they had it between them. Both were tired. Both had given so much, and each knew that they were in this position soley down to the efforts of the other. It was certainly a race that neither deserved to lose, so by agreement they decided to share the laurels and crossed the line in a joined two handed salute. A unique situation for two brothers to find themselves in after a long break. Of course they might have a barney over whose name is written on the cup first , or over who gets it for the first 6 months!!!!
They chasing group came in 1'10" behind with Fred having a go from 250m which proved to slightly to far out with a headwind and was passed by Liam Keenan (Orwell) and Brian Monaghan (Newry) but held on for 5th from Dermot McGrath (Bray Wh), and only seconds seperating the rest of the groups.
It could have been another Lally one-two but today neither deserved to lose..........and today neither had to.
Result: Batterstwon - Drumree (4 laps ) 46 Miles 1:53:00
Equal 1st Jimmy Lally (All Systems DW) & Sean Lally (McNally Swords), 3rd Liam Keenan (Orwell) @ 1'10",
4th Brian Monaghan (Newry Wh) @ s.t., 5th Fred Harte (McNally Swords) @ s.t. , 6th Dermot McGrath (Bray Wh) @ s.t.

Kathleen O'Sullivan Memorial, July 15th 2004
Report from Hugh Byrne
The Kathleen O'Sullivan Memorial Race is important to our Club as much for the hospitality that we can show as it is for the race itself as Kathleen was well reknowned on that score. This year the race was run over the old Liam Toolin circuit which would give ample opportunity for attacks on the long climb. The race would consist od 2 x 12 mile laps and then a 3 mile run in to an excellent sited finish. A small group of Juniors were given a 2 minute h/cap and the chasing Vets/C's had a bit of work to do if they ever wanted to see them again. As it was they were caught just before they hit the climb for the second time. Sean Bracken (Usher), who later told me that he especially wanted to ride this circuit, launched attack after attack on the climb and fairly strung out the bunch. As he crested the hill only Stephen McKenna (Stamullen MD) had been able to respond to his repeated assault. The rest of the bunch came back together on the decent, but Stephen & Sean Bracken were clear. The race for the remaining places started in earnest when they hit Ballboughal and split up over the final 3 miles as Sean & Stephen battled it out for the win. To lead it out or not to lead it out? Stephen thought it might be best to come off the wheel, which he did but Sean dug deep and held on to win by half a wheel. A magnificent performance from Stephen who heads off soon for the Junior Tour and for Sean it marked a full recovery from the broken pelvis that he sustained earlier in the year at the Gorey 3 Day.
Special thanks to all who stewarded on the day, to Commisaire Richie McNamara, to all who provided refreshments and to Gabriel Howard who presented the prizes. We can now look forward to usung the same course for this years Swords Grand Prix, but this time round it will finish on the climb. <Presentation Photos by Dave Blake>
Result: Ballyboughal (Corduff Circuit) V/J/C/L: 27 miles
1. Sean Bracken (Usher) 2. Stephen McKenna (Stamullen MD) 3. Tony McLoughlin (Bray Wh)
4. Urban Monks (Bray Wh) 5. Mat Kelly (Stamullen MD) 6. Terry Ferris (Murphy-Gunn CC)
Uuplaced V Martin Thompson (Murphy-Gunn CC)
Uuplaced J Sean Rock (McNally Swords)
Uuplaced C Alan Duffy (McNally Swords)
Lady: Karen Bothwell (Orwell- Dundrum SC)

McNally Swords CC RR C/ship, July 8th 2004
Report from Hugh Byrne
This years McNally Swords CC Road Race C/ship was run over the challenging Stamullen course and with plenty of hills, drags & decents it was going to take a special effort to win this one. First attack of the day was Jason Kelly (after about a mile) and his enthusiam was rewarded by being left out out there to fry until he worked off some of that excess energy!!! After Jason's effort was reeled in the bunch pretty much kept up enough of a pace enough to discouraged any more attacks ansd the main group stayed together pretty much up to the last lap. At the start of the last lap Anto McMahon, Gerry Martin & Sean Tierney got a small gap of a few seconds. James Whelan jumped from the bunch and got accross to these three before Stamullen, and attacked on the hill before anyone else came accross. James committed himself fully to the attack and started to open a good gap. He timed it well as Sean Rock & Adriaan Pretorius were on their way accross and caught & passed the three escapees on the hill only to find that James was already up the road. They worked hard to bring him back , but James was in a pretty detemined mood and seemed to being getting further away. Hard riding from Keith & Fergus Ryan brought the bunch up to Sean & Adriaan but James was disappearing into the distance. As the bunch looked at each other to see who who going to take up the chase, James pressed home his advantage and soon was out of sight. This is where it pays to be a great tester as James is and the bunch pretty much knew that they were now racing for 2nd place. Jason Ludgate & Anto tried to tie up the podium positions with a big effort on the long drag before the decent into the finish but were pulled back and it was going to be a bunch gallop for the remaining places. Up ahead James effforts were rewarded by having time to savour the victory with a two handed salute, a few hundred yards of the scramble for 2nd place. A huge win for James, holding off the bunch for the best part of a lap. A popular winner whose enthusiasm for the sport should be bottled and who has been a member since he was about the same age as young James Morgan.
<Link to Photos by Dave Blake>

(Photo coutesy of David Blake)

Club C/ship Result: Stamullen (3 laps )
1st James Whelan, 2nd Adriaan Pretorius @ 3 sec 3rd Keith Daly @ s.t, 4th Alister Cole @ s.t, 5th Sean Rock @ s.t , 6th Jason Kelly @ s.t
Ladies: 1st Caroline Kearney, 2nd Grace McNally, 3rd Coleen Foley

Tandem Cycling Ireland Spalding Spin April 24th 2004
Report from Bernie McNally
On Saturday the 24^th April, 5 Tandems from Ireland took part in the BOLD (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) Tandem Marathon in Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK. We had travelled over on Friday and of course that evening sat down to a discussion of what lay ahead and our tactics over a pasta supper. Ehhh… no, after a long bus journey, some of us more professional athletes retired to our rooms for a rest while others went in search of some local alcoholic beverages!!

Our Tandem Cycling Ireland Team were as follows:     Stoker   Pilot:       Derek Mc Namara   Bernie Mc Nally       Mark Keogh   Ian Mahon       Seamas Kelly   Denis Twomey       Sr Brid Smith   Audrey Lewis       Michelle Toner   Kevin Sutton       Gerry Beggs – Mechanic and Team Manager.

The Winning Team

On Saturday the conditions were great. The weather was fantastic and I had never seen a flatter course. It was a nice change from the lovely hills that we would usually struggle up in North Co Dublin. We got plenty of a warm up, owing to the fact that some of us managed to get lost and actually cycle a few miles past the meeting area which was of course hard to spot (with about 50 tandems of all shapes and sizes!). We waited anxiously for the start, with was very punctual at one-minute intervals. Sr Brid and Audrey were off first, followed by Michelle and Kevin. Off next were Mark and Ian, whose chain broke at the start and luckily were given another start time. They were followed by Seamas and Denis. Finally, Derek and myself were given the green light… at this stage I was shaking from all the carbs that had been eaten!! (not from nerves of course!) I’m sure that there are only so many bars and gels that can be consumed before you explode!!

We took off like rockets…. Or so I thought, until we were passed out by a couple a few miles out the road, as if we were standing still. At least they smiled at us and said hello, us two just about managing a response!! We pushed hard all the way round, it was a flat course but there was no freewheeling and a slight head wind the whole way round. There were plenty of sharp corners that are great craic on a tandem at 25mph when you don’t know the route. We were well worn out at 2 miles to go, we let off the handbrake and really sprinted for it. The great thing about a tandem is that there is always someone there to listen to you suffer… well… they have no choice really… so apologies Derek for any abuse that was roared in your direction…!!

Heading for the Bar!

6th March, Ou Bos Race, 40km
Report from Anthony Cooper
So finally after another year of training I got to go back home for a holiday and hopefully complete the Pick & Pay Argus Cycle Tour in the 3 hour mark.
Luckily there was a race in my home town a week before the tour so that I could test fitness level. I was told before hand about all the teams entering, the tactics they have been using the past couple years to win the race etc. So I had an idea what to expect in the race.
Race day was a beautiful sunny day with an average temperature of about 27 degrees, with about 300 people showing up for the event. I have to be honest and say that I was rather on my nerves as I did not know how fit everyone in S.A was and if indeed I was fit enough to even tag along & not get dropped.
The race started with a slight downhill followed by a right turn into a long stretch of about 6km before we hit the airport to turn right into a dreaded 2km climb. Once we hit the first turn the teams started with their tactics jumping the bunch 3 times, hitting speeds of up to 51km/h at some stages and by the time we hit the airport the main group was nowhere to be seen and all that remained was our bunch of about 10 people. Halfway up the hill another attack came of which a single get away was aloud. The temptation was there to chase him down but I knew we as a bunch would catch him eventually. After the hill it was fairly steady riding with only one hill remaining before the turn point. On the top of the hill another attack came but he did not have enough strength to go all the way so he was pulled back. We eventually caught the leader at the turn point and we regrouped.
Nothing much happened on the way back except two attacks. I was sitting in 3rd position at the time the attack came. Luckily I could counter it and just as we sat down he attacked again, which was also unsuccessful. After realizing that he wasn’t going to ride me off he gave way and I was left to pace. At the back I just heard “wait till we get to Sinksa Brug” which is the 2km climb before the 6km final stretch. So already knowing what was going to happen I took it easy but never the less got my nerves worked up because I was expecting the worst. Half way up the hill he made his move & I countered. I managed to easily stay with him and by the time we hit the top we had opened a gap between us and the bunch. At that stage, I hit a cat eye in the road which punctured my wheel. Luckily it was only a slow puncture and I was left praying for it to just last till we get to the finish. I knew that if I had to stop my race and any hope of winning was over.
About 3km before the finish the bunch caught us and all that was left was a slight drag followed by and small hill and the home stretch. The bunch split up across the road and I sat back in about 6th position checking everyone out. Everyone was riding big gears and I was still spinning in small blade. I realized I would out spin long before the finish in the sprint so switched over. On the small uphill before the final stretch the gears started dropping so I knew something was going to happen and I was looking for a good position to counter. I was either going left or taking them from the right. About two blocks before the finish line the sprint was started so I countered and came from right hand side. I managed to pass everyone and was in the 1st place. Not knowing how close my closest rival was I had to look behind me 3 times just to make sure but my effort was good enough and I won the race with slow puncture and all.
I’m happy with ride. It went well and I was particularly happy that I won because my parents really wanted me to win. With all the talk of cycling with you guys throughout the year they were expecting me to be fit and in there own way hoping for a win. So, this one is for Swords Cycle Club & all you guys as well as my parents!
This Sunday, the 14th, is my big ride, the Cape Argus Cycle Tour - 109km ride. It is the one that I’ve been training for with the hope to completing it in 3hr. So wish me luck guys & keep on pedalling. Remember, pain is inevitable… suffering is optional!

All the best, Anto

Anto makes his move !!!!

Caroline Kearney signs for French First Division Tri Team Feb 2004
Report from Hugh McAtamney
Caroline Kearney, Irelands top female triathlete for the last 5 years has signed from the 3DTRI club to the french first division triathlon team Cesson Sévigné http://occtriathlon.free.fr . She will be racing the French Grand Prix which is one of Europes premier triathlon league. Many top triathletes train and race with french teams while they compete on the ITU circuit. The move will be a great boost to caroline who needs to be competing at the top level if she is to progress up the world rankings.

Hugh McAtamney

New Years Day Triathlon, Edinburgh Jan 1st 2004
Report from Brian Crinion
New Years Day triathlon, Edinburgh
Distances : 400m swim, 16.5km cycle, 5.5km run.
Number of entrants : 330.
Result : 4th. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
Woke up feeling less than sprightly on New Years Day, and made my way down to race registration. I had been put in the elite start so we were off first, and so unlike last year (when I was put in the last heat) I couldn't pick up any extra sleep on the pool-side.

The swim had a mass start, which was fine until you got to the far end and you had to duck-dive under the person on your feet in order to turn.  The swim soon settled down and with a time of just over 6 minutes I was over a minute up on my performance last year.

The cycle consisted of 3 loops of a 5.5km circuit.  Sounds easy, but add a 600 foot climb, and you rapidly start to run out of gears.  Never the less, I pulled out the fastest cycle of the day and combined with a good 2nd transition, I was only 10m behind Philip Mosley from Bournemouth, who was in 2nd place overall.

I was all ready to race past him, but as you may have noticed, I have hardly run since October, so the legs simply weren't there.  To make things worse I was passed out going up the hill, so I had to settle with 4th place.The time of 1:02:39 was over 3 minutes faster than my time form last year, but due to the quality of the field I only improved from 5th place in 2003 to 4th this year.  Maybe next year I'll make the podium.
Link: http://www.edinburghtri.org/nyd2004/individuals_2004.htm

Brian Crinion  

2003 League & Racing Round-up Dec 2003
Report from Hugh Byrne
Thie 2003 Club League was run over 18 events under the expert guidance of Sean Lally and served to improve the standard of all who participated. It is after all a training league and the h/caps are there to ensure all of us are stretched to the limits (and further!!!) of our ability. This year's winner, Sean Rock, in his 2nd year at U16 has been participating for 6 years and during that we have seen him going from strength to strength. Indeed he also won the Mark Mullen Memorial League after being placed in all 5 rounds, and took the Gold in the Leinster TT C/ships in which brother Niall, and father Mick also won medals. Brian Crinion showed his TT prowess in those C/ships also taking the gold in the C category. Our 2003 League was well attended and special mention to our many new members, many coming from Triathlon, who competed at an impressive standard. We were also pleased to have so many Stamullen riders competing along with our regular visitors. These helped raise the standard and will certainly benefit our developing talent. Special mention to Pauline, Johnny & Fred who each contributed greatly to the smooth running of the league. One of the highlights of the league was our Club Road Race C/ship which was a closely fought affair won by the narrowist of margins by John Shortt and a separate event for the ladies won by Grace McNally. Report & photos on this race (and many others) are posted on our club website.

In the closing weeks of the IVCA season we have seen wins from Mick Rock, Joe McNally & myself and both Sean Lally and Anto McMahon winning three times each!!!! One that sticks out for me was an impressive 1/2/3 in the age related C/ships (40-49) with Anto winning from John Shortt & Liam Maguire with an impressive display of ability & tactics.
Late Summer also saw our U/age riders compete in the International Kerry Youth Tour with nearly 100 riders in each age group incl. many riders from as far afield as Holland, Belgium, Wales & South Africa. Some performances of note, a win by Michael Daly (U16), 4th J in the National TT C/ships by James Whelan, and 4th from Sean in the Isle of Man, Niall placing 5th the National C/ships , not forgetting his impressive ride in our club Road Race although I don't think he was on restricted gears that night!!!!

And what a closing week by Keith Daly!!! It started 'quietly' placing 1st Junior in the Park on a Tuesday, followed by his first senior win in the Duane Delaney Memorial on Thursday, took the bunch gallop for 5th in the Andy Mahon on Saturday and another win in the John McCormack on Sunday. We weren't too disappointed with the 5th on Sat as Anto McMahon took the win in that one!!!! It was especially pleasing to see the photos of Keith's first win being replaced by the photo of his second one as the cover shot on IrishCycling.com.

Sean Rock was the star of the Christmas Races placing 2nd to the Megastar himself in our own event after the two of them escaped the bunch with over a lap to go. He went one better the following week when he was involved in another 2-up escape and took what must be one of his biggest wins todate. In the final Christmas race he placed 3rd in a race won by Simon Whelan. Next Season will be Seans first year as a Junior and Keith will be joining the senior ranks. They both are serving their 'apprentishships' well and both having such strong finishes to their respective seasons bodes well for their futures

Our Club League is there to provide competitive, enjoyable racing, to give a stepping stone to those new to the sport and to develop our riders and I think we can agree that it succeeds on all fronts!!!!

Hugh Byrne

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