Information for Event Entrants
2018 is the 37th consecutive year of Ireland’s toughest cycling challenge, the Wicklow 200.
The event, and the newer Wicklow 100 Challenge taking place on the same day, includes many of the most difficult mountains in Co. Wicklow and some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland.
Before the event please read the information below
PLEASE NOTE: For 2018 the Start/Finish is located at the Bray Emmets GAA Club.
START/FINISH LOCATION
Bray Emmets GAA, Old Connaught Ave, Old Connaught, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
EVENT SIGN ON
To register and sign on for the event you must PRINT OUT THE REGISTRATION PAGE WITH THE BARCODE from the email sent to you by Eventmaster when you first registered. Or bring your mobile phone for scanning.
BRING YOUR BARCODE PAGE to sign on where it will be scanned and you will be given your race pack including your official bike number and wristband, T-shirt and vouchers.
THERE ARE THREE SIGN-ON OPTIONS:
1. Friday 8th June 4pm – 8pm
CYCLE SUPERSTORE, FrameWorks Building, 31 Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 AW96
2. Saturday 9th June 11am – 4pm
CYCLE SUPERSTORE, FrameWorks Building, 31 Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 AW96
3. Sunday 10th June 6am – 8am
BRAY EMMET GAA CLUB, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Once you have registered and your barcode has been scanned, you are ready to ride the event. Just fit the official bike number to your handlebars and go to the start line for the start on Sunday morning. Be sure to wear your wristband to access food stops along the route.
IF YOU HAVE SIGNED ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY, YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO SO AGAIN ON THE MORNING OF THE EVENT. YOU CAN PROCEED TO THE START LINE WITH YOUR CHOSEN GROUP.
OFFICIAL START TIMES
Wicklow 200 – 7am
Wicklow 100 Challenge – 8am
Note: As always, it is possible to decide out on the course whether you want to do the 200km or 100km route. The routes diverge at Laragh where you must make the big decision!
It’s advisable to have a clear idea before you start.
If you are definitely doing the 200km route or you are not sure which one you will do, please choose to start at 7am. If you are sure you are going to do the 100km event please start at 8am.
ORGANISER’S ADVICE: If you arrive at Laragh and you are in any doubt as to whether you can finish the 200km, we would suggest that you choose to complete the 100km.
YOU SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE ROUTE SPLIT IN LARAGH BEFORE 10:30AM IF YOU PLAN TO COMPLETE THE 200.
CUT OFF TIMES:
The finishing time to arrive back in Bray Emmets is 8pm.
PLEASE NOTE: The Baltinglass food stop will close at 1pm and Rathdrum food stop will close at 4.30pm.
WHAT TO BRING ON THE MORNING OF THE EVENT
- Helmet (Compulsory)
- Mobile Phone
- Puncture Repair Kit (2 Spare Tubes, Tyre Levers, Pump)
- Photo ID
- Food and drink (there are food stations on the route but it is always safer to bring your own. You will need it!)
- Your email printout (IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY SIGNED ON)
PARKING
Bray Emmets GAA Club in Bray, Co Wicklow which offers ample parking for entrants. On the morning you may also be directed to park at St Gerard’s School which is less than 1km from the start line.
NOTE: There is no parking available in local housing estates or on the road outside the venue.
Arrive early. There may be some delays as you leave the motorway. We are doing everything in our power to keep everyone moving.
ROUTES
To see the routes and map profiles please click the links below
MEDICAL SUPPORT
First-Aid will be provided on the day by the Red Cross. If you do experience a medical emergency phone the Medical Helpline number which is on your bike number. Give clear and precise information on the nature of the injury and where the casualty is located and give your contact number.
MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE
Everybody is expected to bring the basics with them on the day i.e. Puncture repair kit, spare tube, pump and tyre levers.
It is strongly advised that you know how to fix a simple puncture as this could save you a lot of waiting time on the day.
There will be mechanical service vehicles on both routes during the day.
If you encounter a problem that you are unable to sort yourself phone the Mechanical helpline number which will be printed on your bike number.
Please give clear and precise information on the nature of the problem, where you are located and give your contact number.
The coordinator will inform the nearest backup team to assist you but please understand that they may take some considerable time to reach you. It is strongly advised that you have a full service carried out on your bike before the event.
FEED STATIONS
There are two feed stations supplying event food:
- Baltinglass – 74km into Wicklow 200
- Rathdrum – 140km into Wicklow 200, 41km into Wicklow 100 Challenge
YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE YOUR WRISTBAND TO ACCESS FEED STATIONS.
Please Note: Hot food will also be waiting for you at the finish line.
WATER STOPS
As well as water being available at the food stations there are also two water stops on mountain summits:
- Wicklow Gap – 39km into Wicklow 200
- Slieve Maan – 119km into Wicklow 200
PLEASE NOTE: The feed station in Baltinglass is open until 1pm and Rathdrum is open until 4.30pm.
LITTER
Riders are encouraged to enjoy their surroundings without environmental impact
PLEASE BRING YOUR LITTER BACK TO THE FINISH AREA. Gel wrappers and energy bar wrappers can be exchanged at the finish line for tickets in a prize draw.
FOLLOW FOR MORE INFO!
#LoveItDontLeaveIt #LetsNotSpoilIt
SAFETY RULES
- Rules of the road apply at ALL times.
- All participants must obey the instructions of Gardai, Red Cross, and marshals
- Please note marshals do NOT have authority to stop traffic
- Not every junction may have marshals so you should approach junctions as if they were not there and proceed with caution
- This event takes place on open roads and cyclists must give way to other road users where applicable
- There are fast downhill sections and dangerous bends, please pay attention to signs, flags and whistles.
- Strictly No IPods or Headphones – safety is a huge priority and failing to hear instructions or the sound of oncoming traffic can cause serious accidents to you, fellow participants and to the general public.
- All bicycles should be well maintained and in a road worthy condition. Participants are advised to carry a pump, spare tubes and tyre levers.
AFTER THE EVENT
After you cross the finish line (and catch your breath!), you can proceed to the clearly marked Medal Collection Area to collect your medal.
There will be a hot meal for all participants.
SHOWERS
There are male and female shower facilities available in Bray Emmets.
