Laura Banfield, sitting near the front. Credit: Tony Hyland. 

Overall it was going reasonably well, although it did break down quite a few times. Half way round the first lap we got a call from one of the marshalls – “6 minutes”. I’m not sure how much of a start Group 1 were given, but it was certainly more than 6 minutes

We continued to finish the first lap at an average speed of 36.2kph. By the next time we got the call it was down to 4 and a half minutes (with 3.5 laps to go).

In our group were 3 very strong young lads from Stamullen. Dermot Moyne suggested to them they go and try and help out at the front. They took it as a sign to make a break, and Dermot followed them! There may have been 4 or 5 in the break altogether, but as we hadn’t reeled in Group 1 yet I don’t think anyone was keen to bridge over.

Then as we were approaching the starting line a Jeep nipped in between the lead group and main bunch from a side-road. This created a dangerous situation as some riders tried to move up, possibly to get some drafting benefit. However a car was coming in the opposite direction, and to pass each other on that road drivers have to slow down to a crawl.

One rider decided he was going to try and get between the 2 vehicles, causing a very dangerous situation and forcing both vehicles to stop - the rest of us had to slow down considerably

Fortunately the jeep turned off a short while later, although we had to slow down again as he turned right into the sports centre. Anyway we still managed to up the speed to 36.3kph on that lap, although the car "incident" had allowed the break to increase their lead.

We managed to reel them in by the end of the 3rd lap, having reduced the lead of Group 1 to 3 minutes. Average speed on that lap increased to 36.5kph

On the 4th lap we caught the remnants of Group 1 and were then concerned to keep away from the faster groups. I was feeling strong and happy to take some long stints at the front when riders were not coming through. Speed for that lap dropped a bit to 36kph

There were no major events on the final lap until we came past the final turn. John Rowan got away, and no-one was making any particular efforts to close him down. I was towards the back of the group, and started working my way up it. About a kilometer further on someone veered across the road beside me, almost causing an accident.

The pace picked up but I was still feeling quite comfortable, and I managed to pass a few riders before the final sprint when I pushed on, passing more riders. I was probably in a gear too high for the incline to the finishing line and Joe Moyne managed to just get past me by the line. Well done to John who managed to stay away to take the victory. One of the “Stamullen kids” Paul Dargle won the group sprint to take second, with Ronan Harpur third. I managed 8th place - my best ever in a Swords race (other than TTs), and first points other than those you get for turning up

Average speed on the final lap was 37.3kph, and the overall average 36.5kph.
Overall it felt like the easiest Swords League race I have done, and was definitely the most satisfying

For anyone who is interested in the stats:

Total time 1:22:13, average speed 36.5kph, max 49.8kph
Power – average 250w, normalised 280w, max 858w, work 1180kJ
HR – average 161, max 182
Cadence – average 87