A new route has been revealed for Ireland's biggest sportive, the Wicklow 200.
2025 will see a major shake-up for the Wicklow 200, with the event moving from its traditional start at Bray Emmets GAA to a new venue at Russborough House.
The venue change is accompanied by a complete overhaul of the course, which now features two loops in a figure-of-eight crossing at Laragh.
This year's Wicklow 200 takes place on Sunday 8 June 2025.
In comparison with past editions the 200km route will open gently with what should be a picturesque roll along the shores of Poulaphouca Reservoir, before hitting the first climb of Sally Gap - which riders will tackle in the opposite direction to previous years.
The traditional double-header climbs of Slieve Mann and Shay Elliot remain, and there's an ascent of Wicklow Gap to finish. RidewithGPS gives a distance of 196.4km with 3054m of climbing. When I rode the event in 2023, on what was also a slightly abridged route that year, I recorded a distance of 208.7km with 3,354m of elevation gain.
While the level of the challenge looks on a par with past editions, the switch in direction and inclusion of many new roads for 2025 will present W200 veterans with a fresh experience.
We were very impressed with the organisation and staffing of the event in 2023, and this year will again see the I.V.C.A, supported by Wicklow County Council, provide volunteers helping out on the day providing mechanical breakdown cover, route marshalling, car parking, changing rooms, showers and refreshment stops along the way and at the finish in Russborough House.
The main feed stop this year will be at the 125km mark in Tinnahely, while all finishers will be presented with a special Wicklow 200 medal back at Russborough House.
A shorter 100km route will also be on offer. This route takes in the first loop of the 200km course, with riders turning off at Laragh.
While entrants on the short course will miss the climbs of Slieve Mann and Shay Elliott, they will have to get over Sally Gap and the Wicklow Gap in what looks a challenging route in its own right with over 1200m of climbing.
Entries for the Wicklow 200 are open now with tickets priced €85. Find out more and enter at wicklow200.ie.
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