These climbs were on the 2002 route.

The Embankment. (1000 ft.) Category 4
Known also as Crooksling Hill, it's the ideal warmer up. About 3 miles long the gradient is never too stiff , and the surface is very good. The Tour de France zoomed down this hill on their way into Dublin.

Sally Gap (1650 ft.) Category 1
Now this is a different story. The climb up Sally's Western flank is 5 miles long and quite stiff particularly towards the top. It is also very open country with no shelter from the wind. Sally Gap is probably the toughest climb on the course but because it comes early in the day other climbs later on may seem more demanding. Sally Gap is definitely a Category 1 climb.

Luggala (1500 ft) Category 2.
The road drops from Sally Gap (1650 ft) down to Boleyhorrigan Bridge (1300 ft) so the climb up to Luggala (1500 ft) is not too demanding overall, but as usual there are a few stiff parts, particularly towards the top.

However the magnificent scenery on this climb helps to dull the pain.

Wicklow Gap (1600 ft) Category 1.
This is another 5-mile long climb. It begins gently but the most demanding gradient comes about one third of the way up. Like Sally Gap this is a real mountain climb. There is no shelter but on the other hand the view is breath taking. Unlike Sally Gap the gradient eases towards the top. The Col de Wicklow Gap earned it's fame when it was included in the Tour de France in 1997. You can fanaticise that you are amongst the grates as you struggle up this mountain amidst the cheers of the multitude

Donard Hill (800 ft) Category 3
Category 3 because it comes right as you leave the checkpoint in Donard Village. If you have delayed too long and allowed yourself to cool down, then this climb can be a shock to the system. Its short and stiff but guaranteed to get the heart beat back up .

Ballinabarney Gap (1050 ft) Category 3.
This climb resembles the Embankment. It's rated as Category 3 because it comes after 75 miles but its not a demanding climb.

Mullan Aghavannagh pass (1000 ft) Category 2.
Considering this climb has no official name a category 2 rating may seem high but once again allowance is being made for the amount of miles already covered. Perhaps it should be Cat. 3

Slieve Maan (1500 ft) Category 1.
No arguments about Slieve Maan. It's category I right from the start. The forest cover on the left side has been cut down so that shelter no longer exists. The panoramic view from the top is spectacular and the long descent into Drumgoff is rewarding though quite dangerous. Braking and handling skills will be severely tested

Greenane - Rathdrum Drag (700 ft). Category 4
This drag is out of all proportion to its showing on the map. It is one of those deceptive climbs that twists and turns always promising to finish around the next corner but seeming to go on forever. The reason perhaps is that Slieve Maan has taken its toll and the checkpoint in Rathdrum won't come soon enough. Once there however there is a feeling of success and a cuppa tea works wonders. But you're not home yet.

Sally Gap (1650 ft) Category 1.
The gradient on this Southern flank is fairly constant until the Glenmacnass waterfall comes into view. Hopefully the beauty of the scenery will help offset the increase in gradient. Beyond the top of the waterfall it tends to ease off again but it is open country up here. Passing through the cross-roads that marks the summit of Sally Gap riders will recall how full of riding they were all those hours ago when they floated up the Western approach from Kilbride. But now with the Television mast ahead it's due North for Glencree Valley (1200 ft) before the final climb of the day

Killakee (1600 ft). Category 3
With over 100 miles on the clock any climb is going to be tough. But the view across Dublin Bay signals the end is near. Then back to the Basketball Arena for a shower, possibly a message, but definitely a refreshing cup of tea and a chance to sit and relive the days adventure with fellow cyclists with whom you have shared a challenge to remember.
As you relax and admire you're Medallion, Certificate and this year for the first time, a Souvenir Cycling Jersey, we guarentee you will be planning to re visit Wicklow ' The Garden of Ireland' in the near future.