NI To Stage Giro d'Italia Legacy Event

The Gran Fondo is to be held in Northern Ireland for the next three years.

The event is run by RCS, the organisers of the Giro d'Italia which took place in the region earlier this year.

The first event is scheduled for June 2015.

The event is aimed at amateur cyclists across the world who travel to the host country to participate. Two race routes have already been scoped and provisionally recommended by the organisers. Both routes, one at 177km and the other at 59km, commence and finish at Titanic Belfast.

Confirming the major cycling event, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "The 2014 Giro d'Italia captured the imagination of the people of Northern Ireland and was hailed as a resounding success by the organisers, who were bowled over by the warmth of our welcome and enthusiasm.

"Cyclists are now coming to ride the Giro stages and other routes across Northern Ireland and we want to capitalise on that interest.

"The Gran Fondo will establish a tangible legacy event to the Giro d'Italia and further increase awareness of Northern Ireland as a premium cycling and tourism destination. There will also be a positive economic impact, with riders and their families filling local hotels and restaurants."

Darach McQuaid, Shadetree Sports director added: "We aim to make Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia Northern Ireland one of the best in the world and one which will attract riders from all around to globe to ride on Northern Ireland's roads and experience the warmth of the welcome here, along with the unique Giro theme.

"There will be strong engagement with the local communities the event will pass through and our aim will be to create the 'pink magic' that was done so well in May during the Big Start."

Andrea Trabuio, Head of Mass Events, RCS Sport, commented: "Following the great success of the 2014 Giro d'Italia Big Start from Belfast, in the amazing scenery of the Northern Ireland coastline, we are very happy to announce a new three-year partnership that will see a series of Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia events hosted in this fantastic country.

"We are sure that this 'Made in Italy' event will be a big success and will positively promote Northern Ireland."

(JP/CD)