Rolling out the redcarpet for cyclists

The cream of professional cyclists will arrive in Northern Ireland in early May to prepare for the Giro d’Italia and both Ballymoney and Moyle Councils are determined not to miss an opportunity to showcase the area.

Moyle Council have already made plans to make pink a feature (pink being the established colour of the race leader) and Ballymoney are in the process of putting together a package that will recognise the significance of the
event.

Key points along the route will be dressed and there will also be some pre and on the day events.

Such is the determination of the council to make an impact that the Events Budget is being increased by £8000 to cover the costs.

The route along the A26 passes the junctions to Dunloy and Cloughmills villages, travelling to the Portrush Road roundabout and onwards through Ballybogey village on its way to Portrush and Bushmills.

Some outline dressing concepts have been developed and interest has been expressed by local groups in assisting with delivery of events.

Arrangements are in hand to consider logistics/route dressing, PR/marketing/communications, community engagement and volunteering.

It has been recommended by the council’s Development Committee that key points along the route are dressed with some on the day events included as well as pre and on the day events.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to be in North Antrim for the May 10 route and businesses have been encouraged to do all they can to capitalise on this.