Got a question about the Wicklow 200?

Here are the answers to some common questions we get asked. If you don't find the answer you're looking for here you may find it in the Wicklow 200 discussion forum. If you can't find an answer already there you can ask a question in the forum, or you can send your question directly to us at admin@Wicklow200.ie. You may also find the answer to your question by looking down through recent news items on our news page.

Bikes

We're entering a tandem. Do we have to pay two entry fees?

Yes. Each rider must complete an entry form and pay the entry fee.

Is a mountain bike suitable for the Wicklow 200?

While most riders use drop-handlebar road bikes, some ride mountain bikes. The principal drawback of a mountain bike on the Wicklow 200 is the extra road friction due to fat 'chunky' tyres.

Can I ride a recumbant? A penny-farthing? A unicycle?

We've had them all (except a unicycle), so yes, you can ride what you wish as long as it's legal on public roads. However, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that your cycle is safe and suitable for the event. The Wicklow 200 is a serious challenge on any cycle, so only attempt it on a cycle that you are confident and safe on.

Accommodation and travel

Can you help me find accommodation?

We don't provide an accommodation service. Look at our accommodation page for some help on finding accommodation.

Do you have any discounts for ferries from Britain?

Yes. We have arranged a significant discount with Stena Ferries. Check our travel page for details.

Entering

How do I enter?

You have to complete an entry form and pay the entry fee in advance. You can use the online entry form and pay by credit card, or you can use the paper form and pay by cheque. Full details on our entry page.

I want to enter more than one rider. Do I have to fill in separate entry forms for each one?

Yes. You must fill in separate entry forms for each rider. You can copy or print as many copies of the form as you need.

How secure is the online credit card payment system?

We use WorldPay to handle our online credit card payments. WorldPay is a division of the Bank of Scotland, and is a world leader in secure online payment systems. The organisers of the Wicklow 200 do not store or even see your credit card details.

How much is the entry fee?

The entry fee is €45.00, unchanged from 2003. The late entry fee, after 29th May 2004, is €50.

What do I get for the entry fee?

The fee includes use of facilities such as all-day parking, changing rooms and showers at the start/finish in Donnybrook, food and drink at two stops on the route, and other support services on the day. It also includes your 2004 Wicklow 200 cycling jersey and your 2004 Wicklow 200 certificate.

Is there a discount for IVCA members?

There is a reduced entry fee of €39.00 for paid-up insured members of the Irish Veteran Cyclists Association. This reduced entry fee is only available when using a paper entry form. It is not available for entries made via the online entry system.

When do entries close?

The official closing date is 29th May 2004, but late entries will be accepted after this date for a higher fee of €50. Late entries will be accepted only until we reach the number of entrants that we can accommodate safely or until the start of the event on 13th June (whichever comes first!). See our news page for information on the latest state of entries.

Can I pay the entry fee in cash?

Please don't send cash by post. If you want to pay the entry fee in cash you must call into the Wicklow 200 office at The Model Shop, 13 Capel Street, Dublin 1. It's open Monday to Saturday.

The Control card and Wicklow 200 jersey

When will I get my Wicklow 200 jersey and control card?

The jersey, control card, and final instructions will be posted to you during the two weeks before the Wicklow 200.

What kind of jersey is it?

The 2004 Wicklow 200 jersey is a proper short-sleeved cycling jersey, made of a quality wicking material and with 3 back pockets.

Do I have to wear the Wicklow 200 jersey during the event?

(Wearing the jersey is now optional. Read our news item about this.)

Yes. All riders are required to wear their jersey and to show their control card to get access to the Wicklow 200 food stops. This is to reduce problems we had last year with non-paying riders using the facilities and food provided from the entry fees of paying riders. In any case, wearing the event jersey is part of riding the Wicklow 200 and helps to create the atmosphere for which it is famous.

What if the jersey sent to me is the wrong size?

We will provide a jersey swap facility at the start of the Wicklow 200, so you will be able to exchange yours for a more suitable size.

What if my jersey and control card don't arrive before I leave home to travel to the Wicklow 200?

We will provide an emergency jersey and control card service at the start of the Wicklow 200 on 13th June. You should allow extra time at the start if you need to do this.

What if I lose my control card before the Wicklow 200?

We will provide a replacement control card service at the start of the Wicklow 200 on 13th June. You should allow extra time at the start to get a replacement card.

What if I forget to bring my control card to the start of the Wicklow 200?

You can use the replacement control card service at the start of the Wicklow 200, but it will take you longer to go through the sign-in.

What if I lose my control card during the Wicklow 200?

Then I'm afraid you may have difficulty getting into the food stops. Due to significant numbers of non-paying riders using Wicklow 200 facilities last year we will be imposing strict control on access this year. If you are wearing your Wicklow 200 jersey and can convince the checkers at the food stop that you have genuinely lost your card then you may get in. So wear your jersey and look after your card very carefully. (If you find someone else's card please hand it in at the next checkpoint).

Start/finish

Where is the start of the Wicklow 200?

The start will be at the RTE Sports and Leisure Centre in the grounds of RTE studios, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Detailed directions to the start will be published on the website and will be included in the pack posted to you just before the Wicklow 200.
Michelin map to the start (at the junction of the N11 and Nutley lane).

Where and when will the sign-in be?

Sign-in will be at the start on the morning of Sunday 13th June from 6:00 a.m. onwards. Sign-in will be by scanning your control card.

What time does the Wicklow 200 start?

The Wicklow 200 will start at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday 13th June. The checkpoint at the start will be open from 6:00 a.m. onwards.

What is the finishing time?

The finishing checkpoint, back at RTE in Donnybrook, will stay open until 9:00 p.m. on 13th June so you have up to 14 hours to complete the Wicklow 200.

Is there all-day parking at the start?

Yes, there will be all-day parking available in the grounds of RTE. While the car park is reasonably secure the organisers of the Wicklow 200 and RTE will not accept responsibility for the safety of your car or its contents. Please ensure that you do not leave items of value in your car while it is parked there.

What facilities are available at the start/finish?

In addition to parking, the RTE Sports and Leisure centre provides male and female changing rooms, showers, and toilets, and the bar and restaurant will be open for you to relax and chat on your return. More...

Are there lockers available at the start/finish?

No, there are no lockers or secure storage facilities available at the start/finish. If you want to leave items at the start/finish you must make your own arrangements (please don't leave valuables in a parked car all day).

Route

What is the route for the Wicklow 200 and the Wicklow 100?

The route map for the Wicklow 200 and the Wicklow 100 are available on our route page.

Should I do the Wicklow 200 or the Wicklow 100?

The Wicklow 200 is a very challenging event. You should only attempt the full 200km route if you have been training for it for a number of months, and are confident that you know what you are taking on.

What if I want to change my mind after submitting my entry form?

You can change your mind at any time up to the moment on 13th June that you arrive at the point on the route where the Wicklow 200 and Wicklow 100 divide. The only reason that we ask you which you intend to do is so that we can get an idea of the numbers to cater for along the route.

How will I stay on the correct road on 13th June?

The route of the Wicklow 200 and the Wicklow 100 is marked on the road at every junction along the way. Just follow the road marks and you won't get lost. Even better, tag along with any gang of riders who seem to know where they're going!

Can I get a map of the route for my spouse/partner/friend/slave who will be driving a car?

We will provide copies of a small sketch map of the route at the start on 13th June. As this will be only a simple sketch map it should not be used to find your way around the Wicklow mountains. It should be used in conjunction with a good road map of the area (see next answer).

What road maps cover the route of the Wicklow 200?

The excellent sheet 56 and sheet 62 maps from the Ordnance Survey of Ireland provide full coverage of the Wicklow 200 route. Sheet 56 covers most of the route. Sheet 62 is needed for the most southerly part, including Rathdrum, Glenmalure, Slieve Maan, and Glen of Imaal. They can be bought online from the Ordnance Survey or from any decent bookshop or service station in Ireland. There are many other good maps that cover the same area.

What food and drink will be available along the route?

There will be two checkpoints, at Rathdrum and at Valleymount (the Wicklow 100 passes through the Rathdrum checkpoint only). At each checkpoint each rider will receive sandwiches and fruit. Water and toilet facilities will also be available at each checkpoint. Only riders wearing the 2004 Wicklow 200 jersey and presenting their control card will be allowed into the checkpoints.

What food and drink should I bring with me?

You should bring plenty of water, and an energy bar or other suitable snack. You should drink plenty of water (particularly if it's a warm day) so two large bidons, refilled at each checkpoint, are best. Bring whatever snacks you are used to. The Wicklow 200 is not the best place to experiment with new food items.

What do I do if I have a mechanical or medical emergency along the route?

There will be a Wicklow 200 emergency phone number printed on your control card. Ring that number if you need help. If we can we will try to get someone to assist you. However, please remember that the Wicklow 200 is spread over a very large area so it may be some time before help arrives, particularly if our teams are helping someone else when you call.

Other

Are there any prizes?

There are no prizes except your own sense of achievement. Every rider will get a personalised certificate stating that they have completed the Wicklow 200 or Wicklow 100. Your certificate will be handed to you as soon as you check in at the finish.

Who organises the Wicklow 200?

The Wicklow 200 has been organised every year since 1982 by the Irish Veteran Cyclists Association.

My spouse/partner/family/friend will be with me but won't be riding. Can they give a hand at the start?

Of course. We're always looking for people to help for a couple of hours at the start. Just contact admin@Wicklow200.ie.

Have you any other tips for riding the Wicklow 200?

Yes, please ride safely and with care. The Wicklow 200 is not a race. You must obey the rules of the road, and you must show consideration for other cyclists and other road users. Every year there are some accidents, usually caused by careless or thoughtless riding, and frequently on downhill sections of the route. Please take care, and encourage riders around you to do so too.