WICKLOW 200 CYCLE THROUGH THE GARDEN OF IRELAND THIS JUNE

Pictured in advance of the Wicklow 200 cycle event, which will be held on Sunday, 13th June, beginning at Shoreline Leisure Centre in Greystones are l-r: Jonathan White, President of the Greystones and District Chamber, Tom Fortune, Chairman Wicklow Tourism, Pat McInerney, Wicklow 200 Organising Committee, Eamon Whelan, General Manager Greystones Shoreline and Dominic Gunshenan, CEO Shoreline Leisure Centres.

Issued 1st June 2010

Wicklow County Tourism warmly welcomes the annual Wicklow 200 cycle event, which will start and finish in the Garden County for the first time ever this year. Following negotiations between WCT and organisers of the Wicklow 200, it was decided to reroute the event to begin and finish in Co. Wicklow.

The non-competitive cycle ride will take off from Shoreline Leisure Centre, Greystones on Sunday, 13th June 2010. There will be an estimated 2000 to 3000 people taking part in this year’s event.

The cycle will cover 200km around stunning Wicklow countryside, with cyclists from many different countries participating. The shorter ‘Wicklow Challenge’ takes place on the same day, and shares the majority of its route with the Wicklow 200.

The challenging cycle climbs up to a height of 500m, with the total climb over 2000m. The Wicklow 200 is open to cyclist of all ages. This year’s route includes Greystones, Glencree, Sally Gap, Hollywood, Donard, Glenmalure, Rathdrum, Avoca, Ashford, Newcastle and Kilcoole.

Commenting on the event, Tourism Development Officer with Wicklow County Tourism Fred Verdier said, “This is a fantastic event, which showcases two of Wicklow’s best tourism products – Outdoors and Touring – and takes cyclists through some of the Garden County’s best scenery. Wicklow County Tourism is delighted to work with the organisers of the Wicklow 200, and it is through talks with WCT that the decision was made to reroute the event to begin and end in our beautiful county.”

Gay Farnan, Chairman of the Wicklow 200 Committee said, “The Wicklow 200 cycle has a long tradition going back over thirty years when a few members of the Irish Veteran Cyclists Association decided to hold an endurance event in the Wicklow Mountains. The success of the event to date is due to the many volunteers over the years that have given up their time to organise this great cycling event.”

“The committee this year is delighted to start and finish in Wicklow for the first time ever and we appreciate all the assistance we have received from the many organisations in and around Wicklow.”

He added, “Wicklow Tourism, Greystones Chamber and Greystones Town Council have been most helpful and the management and staff in The Shoreline Leisure Centre have welcomed us with open arms. We would also like to acknowledge the assistance from An Garda Siochána and the Civil Defence. To the people of Wicklow we would like to see you out on Sunday 13th June to encourage and support the cyclists, many of whom are using the cycle to raise funds for various worthwhile charities.”

Jonathan White, President of Greystones Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomed the fact that the Wicklow 200 is basing itself if Greystones this year. "We at Greystones Chamber are delighted that the organisers of the Wicklow 200 have chosen Greystones as their base for the event this year. We hope that this is the start of a long and happy association between the Wicklow 200 and Greystones.”

“The fact that the Shoreline Leisure Centre, one of our members, has been chosen as the start and finish point on the day is an acknowledgement of the excellent facilities there and I'm sure our restaurant and retail members will be delighted to welcome all participants and their supporters on the day."

The CEO of Shoreline Leisure Mr. Dominic Gunshenan commented, “Shoreline Leisure is delighted to provide a venue for the start and finish of the Wicklow 200 event. Shoreline Leisure would like to commend the Wicklow 200 Organising Committee on their tireless voluntary work organising one of County Wicklow’s most important sporting events, an event which leads to mass participation from all levels of cycling enthusiasts.”

Chairman of Wicklow County Tourism, Tom Fortune, praised the Wicklow 200 event as a fantastic event, which draws a huge number of outdoor enthusiasts into the county, and highlights some of Wicklow’s most beautiful sights. “Wicklow is an ideal location for this kind of cycling event and participants can be sure to experience a fantastic day and enjoy some of the best countryside Wicklow has to offer. Wicklow is Ireland’s premier location for outdoor activities and we are delighted that the Wicklow 200 will be starting and finishing in Greystones this year. For information on upcoming festivals in Wicklow log onto www.visitwicklow.ie.” More details on the Wicklow 200 cycle event can be found at www.wicklow200.ie.