42 great photos from Giro d'Italia events in east Antrim 2014

Giro d’Italia fever hit south and east Antrim when stages of the international cycling race were held in Northern Ireland in 2014.

Towns and villages entered into the spirit of the occasion with themed events and activities ahead of and during the race.

Crowds thronged the route – and braved the rain at times - as top-class cyclists made their way through Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey.

Here’s a selection of photos from May 2014 to take you on a pedal-powered trip back in time.

9. Pedal Power

The peloton takes it easy on the Marine Highway as the races passes the sprint marker at Carrickfergus Castle. INLT 20-402-RM Photo: RM Studios

Jamie (15) and Cara (12) Morrow made sure they had a great day watching the Giro coming through Glengormley. INNT 20-020-FP Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Stephanie Bird and Carlee Letson, from PIPS Larne, at the 2014 Giro d'Italia event in the Larne Market Yard. INLT 20-343-PR Photo: Peter Rippon

Thumbs up for the Giro d'Italia from the Robinson family as the race rolls through Newtownabbey in 2014. INNT 20-008-FP Photo: Freddie Parkinson