The Giro d’Italia is one of the biggest cycling events in the world and this year it’s starting off in Northern Ireland, so here’s a look at how the Grande Partenza, or ‘Big Start’, is going to roll out and how you can get involved in the fun.
The Big Start
One of the world's greatest sporting events is coming to Northern Ireland. The Giro d'Italia - one of cycling's grand tours - stages its Grande Partenza (Big Start) in Northern Ireland from May 9th to 12th.
In what will be the largest single event ever hosted in Northern Ireland, the Big Start will take place over three stages when the world's leading professional cyclists battle it out around Belfast, the Causeway Coastal Route and Armagh.
The statistics alone reflect the sheer scale of the Big Start. Over 140,000 people will be lining the route with more than 800 million watching live on television as over 200 cyclists from more than 30 countries race through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. But mere figures can't reflect the sheer drama, passion and colour of the Giro d’Italia…
Day One –May 9th
The Big Start kicks off with a 21.7 km time trial that leaves from
Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic experience. Starting from the slipways where the world's most famous ship was launched, the cyclists power through East Belfast to Stormont, the grand home of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and back to the packed square around City Hall.
Day Two – May 10th
For stage two, the cyclists head for the Causeway Coast and the Glens of Antrim on a 218 km race through some of Europe's most dramatically beautiful scenery. Cycling out to the Causeway Coast, they join the route rated as one of the world's top five road trips, passing through the Glens of Antrim, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, before returning to Belfast.
Day Three – May 11th
Stage three sets out from the Georgian streets and squares of the ancient city of Armagh before the 187 km route heads through the roads of the 'Orchard County', with its apple blossom in full bloom, to South Armagh.
Party in pink
The route will be awash with pink, the colour of the overall leader's jersey (Maglia Rosa), as a feast of festivities and Giro d’Italia themed events celebrate the most exciting sporting event ever staged here. You’re your more than welcome to join in!
While you're there…
Belfast
The Giro d’Italia route offers a beguiling mix of attractions for visitors, enticing them to stay long after the cyclists depart.
The start of the race, for instance, is a great chance to discover the enduring Titanic story in the city where she was designed, built and launched. Why not step aboard Nomadic, her 'little sister', the tender vessel that took passengers to board Titanic at Cherbourg. Don't miss the East Belfast roots of Narnia's creator, CS Lewis, and the marbled splendour of City Hall.
Causeway Coast
Experience the brooding Dunluce Castle (pictured below), perched on a towering cliff top above the Atlantic, the thrilling walk over Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the fabulous new interactive visitor centre at the world famous
Giant's Causeway. After the surging excitement of the race, why not relax in the serenely beautiful
Glenariff Forest Park in the 'Queen of the Glens'.
Armagh
In Armagh, you can visit its two famous cathedrals, take a stroll
around the Georgian Palace Demesne and explore the solar system at the
Armagh Planetarium. Further along the route, you can discover Ireland's ancient history at the
Navan Centre and explore the mystical mountain Slieve Gullion, the heartland of Irish mythology.
For more on the Giro d’Italia’s ‘Big Start’ make sure to check out http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Giro2014 and the NITB Facebook page.
