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Wicklow Classic 2026
C1 Wicklow Classic,
C2, C3 Martin Vereker Memorial and Separate Ladies Race*
100km and 1,346m Elevation Gain for C1 & C2
Finish on the Wicklow Gap and the Asjid Shakeel KOH Prize on Hollywood Hill for each Race.
*numbers permitting
About the Race
The 2026 Wicklow Classic marks a long-awaited return to race promotion for St. Tiernan’s CC, breathing new life into the spirit of the legendary Laragh Classic. Set against the rugged backdrop of the Garden County, this inaugural edition is designed to be a true test of the Irish peloton. The 100km route offers no place to hide, blending the tactical "heavy" roads of West Wicklow with a course profile that demands both power and persistence. With 1,346m of vertical gain, this isn’t just a race; it’s an odyssey through some of the most iconic cycling territory in the country.
The heart of the action lies on the punchy Hollywood circuit. Racers will need to navigate the fast, rolling stretches toward Valleymount before grappling with the sharp sting of Hollywood Hill. With the Asjid Shakeel KOH Prize up for grabs for every race, the pace is guaranteed to be relentless from the gun. Whether you are a powerhouse looking to split the field on the valley roads or a specialist climber biding your time, the circuit will whittle the bunch down to the absolute strongest before the final showdown.
The sting in the tail, however, is saved for the finale. Leaving the circuit for the last time, the race turns its eyes toward the sky for a spectacular finish on the Wicklow Gap. This is where the "mountain goats" will come into their own, fighting gravity and gear inches on one of Ireland’s most revered ascents. To win here is to join an elite roll of honour, conquering a course that rewards grit as much as it does talent.
Race Briefing
2026 Wicklow Classic & Martin Vereker Memorial
1. Event Schedule & Sign-On
Race Headquarters: Ballymore Eustace GAA Club - https://maps.app.goo.gl/TkjGhQke5uV6KNC3A
Sign-On Opens: 08:00 AM
Sign-On Closes: 9:00 AM (Strictly 30 mins before first roll-out)
Race Starts:
10:00 AM: C1 Wicklow Classic
10:10 AM: C2 Wicklow Classic
10:20 AM: C3 Martin Vereker Memorial
10:30 AM: Separate Ladies and Junior Race*
2. The Course & Neutralisation
The race will depart from HQ under a neutralised roll-out for approximately 1.8 km. Please stay behind the lead car. The race officially begins after the Dry Bridge on the N81.
Distance: 100km (Total C1 and C2)
Circuit: Laps of the Hollywood – Valleymount – Hollywood Hill loop
C1 - 3.5 Laps + climb to the Wicklow Gap
C2 - 3.5 Laps + climb to the Wicklow Gap
C3, Women and Juniors - 2.5 Laps + climb to the Wicklow Gap
Finish: Summit finish on the Wicklow Gap.
3. Key Race Features
Asjid Shakeel KOH Prize: Prizes will be awarded to each race at the summit of Hollywood Hill on the SECOND ASCENT. A flag will mark the KOH line.
The Run-In: On the final lap, the race will bypass the turn for the next circuit and head straight toward the Wicklow Gap.
The Finish: The finish line is located at the summit of the Wicklow Gap. Note: This is an exposed area; please ensure your team/supporters have warm clothing waiting for you at the top.
4. Safety & Rules
Open Roads: All roads are open to traffic. You must stay on the left side of the road at all times. Crossing the white line may result in immediate disqualification by the Commissaire. Please pay attention to the Race Marshals and An Garda Síochána.
Support Vehicles: Only official race vehicles and neutral service are permitted in the cavalcade. No private team cars.
Support at the finish: There is limited car parking at the Wicklow Gap Mountains Viewing Point. Please do not park at the side of the road in this area.There is a smaller car park on the ascent to the gap that may also be used to rendezvous with Racers who do not wish to cycle back to HQ.
Helmets: Hard-shell helmets are mandatory.
5. Post-Race & Prize Giving
Following the summit finish, please descend with extreme caution back to the HQ for refreshments and the prize-giving ceremony.
Safety Note: The descent from the Wicklow Gap can be technical and cold. Please be mindful of other road users and descending riders.
*Numbers permitting
KOH Prize
In memory of Asjid Shakeel, our friend, club mate, former Secretary and Gentleman of the Road, we will have a KOH Prize on the second ascent of Hollywood Hill in each Race.
Keep Wicklow Beautiful - Leave No Trace
Please respect our shared environment by not littering at our Start Location, the Finish or along the route.
