Irish Veteran Cyclists Association
World Cup 2002
Ireland vs. Spain - a perspective from the
Wicklow 200
By Ercus Stewart
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The Wicklow 200 was once again a well run event, despite - the match, - the distance - the climbs, - the fact that we are all getting old. I set out with the thought that, in the light of the terrible weather forecast (that morning and the previous few days), I could always use the match as the excuse not to continue, go back, shower and watch the match. There was debate about this along the way, and almost every cyclist was in two minds, not having put in the proper time, mileage and training, etc. At Valleymount, I felt we would be going back. Vincent Crowley had been with me. I had lost him, and later discovered he watch the first 90 minutes of the match in Donard, and the extra time in Glenmalure with the person who drove him from one point to the other (stand up and admit it!). In spite of my reservations in Vallymount, at the junction for Blessington, I turned left. My fellow-cyclist, Brendan, followed, and we decided to give the 200K a go.
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This was a unique Wicklow 200. I had felt, and many said, that there would be many Wicklow 200s, but Ireland would not be playing in such an important match again on the same day. We could do the Wicklow 200 again, but could not watch the match live again. This was a big factor. Along the road, there were virtually no cars at all, apart from a few following loved ones on the cycle. At each car that I met, I always asked the score. First I was told we were 1-0 down. That was bad enough. Later, I was told there was a second goal which was disallowed. That showed we were not playing well. Then two girls in a NI registered car told me it was 2-0 to Spain. What with the rain, etc., this was even worse. However, I felt better to be out than watching the match! At the top of Slieve Maan I again saw the two girls, and they confirmed it was still only 1-0. I hope they were not offended at my response! In Drumgoff, I could see the pub packed, and some cyclists on the fringes in the rain, trying to watch. At Rathdrum, I was there for the historic moment, when Ireland scored the penalty. I had been told earlier that we had missed a penalty; worse news, on top of the rain. With the Irish score, there was great elation and I waited in Rathdrum until the end of normal time.
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In Laragh, I again saw the pub packed, with people contently watching the match. I knew there was still hope. At Glenmacnass, I was with about five others and one had a radio in his ear and he gave a running commentary as we climbed Glenmacnass. We all agreed that we would have gone up like rockets had we got at least one extra penalty in the play-off. It would have had an amazing effect on us all. In any event, we finished and, having seen the match afterwards, I think we were all proud of the efforts made by the Irish team. I wish to thank all of the organisers of the Wicklow 200, at every level, from the very start to the very end, for the great and successful effort they made, and I know they too missed out on the important match (although some may have sneaked a look, or at least heard the radio). A wonderful event and, as many said this year and in previous years, "NEVER AGAIN". I told each that I did not believe them.
Ercus Stewart
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