Dun Laoghaire Ironman 70.3 2018

Been a while since I checked in 🙂just wondering if anybody has a Strava route for the new reversed bike route? Was looking at it on Dún Laoghaire 70.3 webpage the highest gradient climb seems to be 10% would I be correct in saying that? I’m judging this by the inter active elevation/grade below the course map. Would this be accurate? I’m trying to compare to hilly cycles climbs I have already done on Strava. Welcome any replies Thanks

Statler wrote: »

Can't help with a Strava file I'm afraid but I'd imagine 10% is an average gradient, Old Long Hill is definitely over 10% in places, Lugala must be as well, they're only short enough ramps though so I wouldn't panic if climbing isn't your idea of fun.

Thanks Statler, so only very steep in small sections? Hopefully I’ll make it over them ok😂

RacoonQueen wrote: »

You can download the gpx from the map view and upload it to whatever device you are using on the bike.

Thanks for that Racoon Queen, my query was more as to how accurate the gradients along the course were, as the way I was reading it 10% seemed to be the highest level gradient it reached. I’m not familiar with the course and live a good bit away form Wicklow, but will practice away on whatever hills I can find.🙂

Shedite27 wrote: »

There's definitely stretches higher than that. The Luggala climb has about 200m of 15-20%

When I started cycling properly that was the first bit that I thought "I'm going to have to get off and walk here!

🙈🙈oh no I’ll
Defo be getting off and walking those 😫😬

Rockbrook to Glencullen, no?

Agreed, its not gonna be a roll into the countryside like the previous bike course.

Izoard wrote: »

Yep - was mixing my Glens...

Have to know your Crees from your Cullens...never mind yer Asmole!

EDit wrote: »

I signed up for this at the weekend, so need to plan a few reccys to Wicklow to try out the bike route. Are there any suggestions from anyone living nearby as to days and times of day when traffic is lighter on the route?

Also, can someone confirm my maths in that if I have the swim done and I’m on the bike in an hour that I have 4.5 hours to do 90k (ie, an average of 20kph) before the cut-off?

If you have a chance to get out on weekday mornings, that is probably your best bet. Lots of cyclists out at the weekends, that can lead to some frustrated drivers stuck behind groups.


I reckon you have a little more than 4hr 30 - they've added 10 mins for each transition as well. Having said that, I don't see how they can police this at an individual level based on timing.
The practical situation is that if you are outside the bike cut off, you get to return to T2, but they don't let you start the run.

EDit wrote: »

Izoard wrote: »

If you have a chance to get out on weekday mornings, that is probably your best bet. Lots of cyclists out at the weekends, that can lead to some frustrated drivers stuck behind groups.


I reckon you have a little more than 4hr 30 - they've added 10 mins for each transition as well. Having said that, I don't see how they can police this at an individual level based on timing.
The practical situation is that if you are outside the bike cut off, you get to return to T2, but they don't let you start the run.

Cheers for that. Will try to get out during some upcoming weekday holidays...maybe head to Kilternan and do the loop to avoid serious Dublin traffic

If you do the Kilternan-Kilternan loop, that is 65km of the bike course and has all the eh, "highlights".

Hi everyone, I'm doing this as a challenge for myself after just turning 50, I'm doing the training myself and was planning on 'just getting round' approach.  After reading the comments about the horrendous hills, I'm now panicking big style that I'll be able to complete it without being disqualified and getting a DNF  Yes I can swim for over an hour non-stop, I've just completed my 6th marathon, but I'm newish to cycling and the thought of them thar hills is scarin the b'jaysus outta me!!  Is this doable for a newbie?

GeraldineN wrote: »

Hi everyone, I'm doing this as a challenge for myself after just turning 50, I'm doing the training myself and was planning on 'just getting round' approach. After reading the comments about the horrendous hills, I'm now panicking big style that I'll be able to complete it without being disqualified and getting a DNF Yes I can swim for over an hour non-stop, I've just completed my 6th marathon, but I'm newish to cycling and the thought of them thar hills is scarin the b'jaysus outta me!! Is this doable for a newbie?

If you are near to the bike course, try to do as much of your biking on it, or hills similar. From a mental perspective, knowing the climbs should be a big help (knowing how long they are, road surface etc..).
Once you've done the first couple of hilly 60-90km spins, it is not so scary.

Not sure you live near Wicklow but even if you can't cycle it try driving it and use some landmarks as markers for yourself - break up the climb(s) into section in your head 25% (at the GO GeraldineN road markings:) ) / 50% etc... Best to cycle it thou, as others say and be careful on the descents; these will be just as important as the hills; you don't want to crash - there will be plenty of hay bails out on the course at the bottom of descents.

Most important part is to enjoy the whole experience!

ChickenBalls wrote: »

Not sure you live near Wicklow but even if you can't cycle it try driving it and use some landmarks as markers for yourself - break up the climb(s) into section in your head 25% (at the GO GeraldineN road markings:) ) / 50% etc... Best to cycle it thou, as others say and be careful on the descents; these will be just as important as the hills; you don't want to crash - there will be plenty of hay bails out on the course at the bottom of descents.

Most important part is to enjoy the whole experience!

haha " enjoy it ", you're gas

dickidy wrote: »

if you let me now how to you can use mine

You should have gotten an email with a link or code. If you still have it i'd love to get it off you. PM me if you ate willing to share.

Or if anyone else has a ironman cork priority entry to pass on please PM me

I wouldn't sweat too much about priority entry to IM Cork, there isn't exactly a line forming

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Not racing this but. Did most of the bike route today and it is deeply unpleasant.
Would not fancy being on some of those descents / bends with cyclists with poor bike handling skills.

On another note, nice to see the loose chippings that Wicklow County Council threw down and caused havoc with last summer are wearing away leaving the surface probably worse than it was before they started.

!! Any more words of support!! ??
:ermm: