Ballymena to play part in Giro D’Italia

Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Arlene Foster pictured with Riccardo Taranto, CEO of RCS Sport, at the launch of the Giro D'Italia in Milan. Picture: Press Eye.

Some of the world’s top competitors will race through the borough in a major international event in May 2014.

A stage of the prestigious Giro d’Italia, the second biggest and most competitive race only to the Tour de France, will pass through the local area on Saturday, May 10.

The three-week-long Giro is one of cycling’s three Grand Tours and has been running since 1909.

For many years it was the equal of the Tour de France but has in recent decades fallen behind the French epic in terms of global stature and the decision to take it to other countries has been made in order to revitalise its fortunes.

Ballymena will figure in a 218km second stage starting from Belfast and heading northwards for a circuit of the famous north coast before returning to Balfast.

Ballymena has been increasinly involved in hosting events which take place on a global scale, and in recent times, the borough has also welcomed the Olympic Torch Run and, more recently, hosted shooting events at the World Police and Fire Games this summer.