Wicklow 200 Training Plan

Folks,  we are now into April, which means its less than 2 months to our big challenge,  the Wicklow 200.

Below I’ve drafted up a cycling plan which is aimed at building up our stamina and climbing ability, so that come the start of June, we are at the peak (no pun intended) of our physique.

As well as training hard for the event, I would advise that you eat sensibly and keep yourself well hydrated. Stick to solid/raw beetroots initially,  switching to the liquid format in the week before the event itself.

We’ll use the Sunday cycle as the basis for our training, with the option of introducing the famous "Ascention Monday” runs if deemed necessary.

Sun 6^th April:  2013-Derry Slam route.  Maghera, Garvagh, Ballerin, Dungiven, head for Park but cut off for Moneyneena, then Draperstown, Tobermore and home. A distance of 50 miles.

Sun 13^th April:  The Day 2 route of the Tour of Ulster (ToU).
Maghera to Feeney, Burnfoot, Limavady, Bellarena, Downhill, Bishop’s Road, Drumsurn, Dungiven and home via Glenshane Pass.  78 miles.

Sun 20^th April.  Easter Sunday.  TBC

Mon 21^st April. Easter Monday.  A reconnaissance trip up to the Ballycastle – Cusendall road so that we can all see where the KOM for the Giro Stage 2.
Route will probably be Ballymoney, Ballycastle, KOM, Cusendall and back to Maghera. About 80 miles.

Easter week.  I’m off work that week so will probably do another day’s cycling,  maybe on the Thursday. TBC.

Sun 27^th April.  The Copeland Charity event is on this week and it is traditional for Carn Wheelers to be well represented.  We will thus use this event as the basis for our training run on this day.  So,  cycle up to Cookstown, do the Copeland run, cycle home to Maghera and then cycle some more so that we do a 100 miles.

Sun 4^th May.  ToU is on this weekend so I expect to be marshaling.  No formal group training session today.

Mon 5^th May.  May Day Bank Holiday.  As soon as we get red up with the ToU today,  we’ll be hitting the slopes  --  maybe do Matty’s brae a few times.  TBC.

Sun 11^th May  Giro weekend.  Route TBC

Sun 18^th May  Precise route TBC but should include Slieve Gallian, Cullion,  Davagh, Birren, Temple Road, Legavalion Road, Plantation Road, Matty’s,  Lagan’s.

Sun 25^th May   Ballymena, Carnlough, Cusendall, Cusendun, Torr Head, Ballycastle,   Bushmills, Ballymoney, Kilrea, Maghera.  100 miles

Sun 1^st June.  This is the last Sunday we have before the Wicklow 200 itself.  I will seek advice from my sports physiologist and mentor, Dr. Google,  to see if we should be gearing-up or gearing-down on this day.  Route TBC.