2014 Giro d'Italia to start in Belfast

[anportmorforjfc]

Next year's Giro d'Italia will begin in Belfast as part of three days of action on both sides of the Irish border.

The cross-border start to the world-famous event will be held over three stages from 10-12 May.

The stages will involve routes taking in Belfast, Armagh and Dublin.

Estimates suggest a figure of around £4m will be required to bring the event to Ireland but the commercial return could be in the region of £10m.

Tourism chiefs from Northern Ireland and the Republic are backing the event.

The start of the 104-year-old Giro is normally hosted in Italy but in recent times has been awarded to an outside country every two years.

Tourism officials and government representatives from both sides of the border are attending Thursday's respective launches at Titanic Belfast and Dublin's Civic Offices on Wood Quay.

It will mean that two of cycling's Grand Tours will both make visits to Britain and Ireland next year, with the Tour de France starting in Yorkshire.

The Republic of Ireland did welcome the Tour de France in 1998 when the first three days of the race took place in the country.

Michele Acquarone, head of the Giro and managing director of Italian race organiser RCS Sport, said that Belfast would "provide spectacular backdrops for the 2104 Grand Partenza (Big Start)".

Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Arlene Foster added that "plans are already in motion to make the occasion a fabulous celebration worthy of Italian cycling traditions".

[armaghniac]

Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Arlene Foster added that "plans are already in motion to make the occasion a fabulous celebration worthy of Italian cycling traditions".

If she and her party continue to stir up fleg sh|te, it will not happen in Belfast.

[Hardy]

Wait'll they see all those Italian flags!

[johnneycool]

Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Arlene Foster added that "plans are already in motion to make the occasion a fabulous celebration worthy of Italian cycling traditions".

Time to start stocking up on the clean piss and syringes then!!

[the waffler]

wee wilie and jamie will have a fit if they try ta put up any flegs and the boyos on bikes will hada dodge weemen and wanes in prams 

[Aerlik]

Wait'll they see all those Italian flags!

where's the fekkin "like" button?

[give her dixie]

Details of the route have been released...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-24345048?SThisFB

[Aristo 60]

Details of the route have been released...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-24345048?SThisFB

Watch out for subtle changes in kerb colour in East Belfast a la il Tricolore!

[imtommygunn]

This is really going to confuse Willie Fraser!!