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Giro d'Italia expected in Ireland

Published Tuesday, 19 February 2013

The prestigious Giro d'Italia could be coming to Belfast and Dublin next year.

Cyclists taking part in the Giro d'Italia. (© Getty)

The world's second biggest cycling race behind the Tour de France is expected to be staged in both cities in 2014 - starting in Belfast.

The local bid is being backed by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Belfast City Council.

The race lasts for three weeks and is also tipped to travel through Dublin, in the first time the Giro d'Italia comes to Irish shores.

Ireland has previously hosted a stage of the Tour de France, and in 1987 Irish rider Stephen Roche won both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.

His son Nicolas Roche could be among the starters when the race wheels its way out of the city, with the riders chasing the coveted pink leader's jersey.

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Comments

2 Comments

? in NI wrote (90 days ago):

I agree its madness. One of the worlds biggest sporting events on open roads in a city that some of its population want to just destroy it. They should start it in Dublin and have it run through the north. Im sure it will run fine at the titanic centre but city hall??? They have plenty of time to cool off by then though lol. But in terms of tourism and exposure I hope some of those protesters use their heads. There is no sporting event like a grand tour to show of where you come from!!!

SHORT STRAND MAN in belfast wrote (91 days ago):

well for a start this great race will have to avoid Belfast on a Saturday and most definitely the newtownards road and also the shore road if cliftonville are playing the crues..also take care any Catholics in the field..I think the above story is a joke.as if they want to come to belfast.