Joe McCall 2007/2008 MTB Race Diary: Wicklow 200, Co. Wicklow/Dublin

WOW, what a day. The weather was incredible, wall-to-wall sunshine, 1200 riders, 3000mtrs of climbing and 200kms of stunning scenery in the Wicklow and Dublin hills. Mark, Paddy and I rode as part of a larger group, and took it easy on the challenging route. Riders of all shapes and sizes attempt this challenge, and it always amazes that some of them make it at all, fairs dues!
Special mention to Brandan, Ian and Eric from our group, they rode very well to complete the challenge. This was by far the longest and toughest spin that Ian has ever done, and Brendan mentioned that this was the quickest he has completed the event. Eirc had a tougher time, but continued on to complete in ~ 12 hours, savage!
I completed the course on my Vertex MTB with 700c Mavic Speedcity wheels, kinda cool huh? Mark was on his brand new RM solo team, all new, full rear carbon end, very nice.Along the way I chatted to Joe Barr (former road pro), Martin Earley (former road pro, TDF stage winner), but the highlight of the day was the sprint finish with legend Sean Kelly, hes still got it ya know!