Team Geared Up

DUBLIN, IRELAND (Team Geared Up) It’s described as non-competitive but I doubt any bike race could ever be described like that??!! The Wicklow 200 is an annual event on the cycling calender, organised by the Irish Veteran Cyclists Association and a really nice touch is that the only prize on the day is for the oldest cyclist to finish! Friend of TGU Richard Oakley is taking part in the event this Sunday and hoping to race well after coming back to fitness from a broken ankle last August.

For those not feeling up to the 200k there’s a mini version of 100k (sure who’d get out of bed for 100k on a bike??) ;-)

The route is very challenging. It includes many climbs, big and small, with some up to a height of 500 metres. The total climb is over 2000 metres so the event should not be taken lightly. While every year many cyclists who have never attempted a similar challenge before complete the Wicklow 200 successfully, it requires attention to training and preparation. Starting at 7:00 a.m. riders are allowed up to 14 hours to complete the route, although most finish well inside that.

Richard has also signed up for the L\’etape du tour in July up the Col du Tourmalet, 180k with a 40k climb, which according to him is like the Wicklow 200 times ten!! Savage stuff! Take a look at the course profile on this page, it’ll make you dizzy!

-Aisling-

Qoute from Wicklow 200.
Image is from Wheelworx Flickr page.