Local firm rolls ahead with Giro D’Italia

The leading local firm did so by becoming the official technical partner for The Grande Partenza or ‘Big Start’ of the global event.

The private sector company, which operates from five locations in Northern Ireland including Lisburn and Dromore has provided expertise in the construction of the Giro Team Paddocks area in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.

The challenge was to provide a high quality solution for the global cycling event on Titanic slipways in just less than three weeks.

Paul Brogan, Director at McQuillans said; “We were delighted to be appointed as the official technical partner for this project and also demonstrate our support for local government in attracting a global event of this nature to the city.

“The Titanic Slipway area has literally been transformed into a Paddock where 22 of the world’s leading pro cycling’s teams will be based during the Belfast stages.

“Within a very limited construction period of two and a half weeks with a team of only 25 men, we prepared and drained the area and finally surfaced 15000m2 (4.5 acres) with asphalt concrete.

“In keeping with the Giro theme, drainage on the site is finished with a layer of pink aggregate.”

Over 200 professional cyclists from across the world will be in Northern Ireland.

The Team Giro Paddocks area is set to become the main spectacle of the event with the first two stages due to take place there on May 9 and 10 alongside a range of planned events and activities for the whole family.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: “As excitement builds in the run-up to the big race, it is very encouraging to see a local, independent company like McQuillans playing such an important role as the event’s official technical partner.

“Their knowledge and expertise has helped create a world class paddock area for the cycling teams and further demonstrates that Northern Ireland can deliver for major international events.”