Council says ‘Benvenuto’ to the Giro

Taking place from 11am-3pm in High Street and Marine Gardens, the event will feature live music, street entertainers, face painting, balloon modelling and a children’s cycling proficiency course.

Carrickfergus Methodist Church will be holding a sponsroed ‘cyclethon’ from 10am to 2pm on May 10.

The event will see participants cycle the same distance as the Giro competoripors on sytationary bikes to raise money for the church building fund.

At the sea front. the Swift restaurant is one of the businesses embracing the international cycling race by hosting an Italian-themed weekend.

The company has set up a strategic partnership with Carrickfergus-based cycling club Team Madigan and Madigan Cycles to organise gourmet suppers, Italian promotions, a family fun day and paint an entire room pink to link with the colour of the leader’s jersey of the Giro d’Italia.

The town will be decorated pink and traders are encouraged to take part in a window competition.

The first rider in the event is expected to reach the borough at 3.45pm.

The PSNI will be implementing a total road closure from approximately 1pm; Carrickfergus Borough Council is advising spectators to come early to ensure a prime viewing spot.

Carrick will host two key elements on Saturday, May 10: the mountain classification will be decided at Whitehead whilst an intermediate time trial will finish along Marine Highway.

It is a further sporting boost for the borough having previously welcomed the Olympic Torch Run and more recently staged two cycling events from the World Police and Fire Games.

For further information contact Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre on 028 9335 8049 or [email protected]

Stephen Gallagher, from sporting events company Shadetree, revealed that the race itself will be preceded by a 1.5k “caravan” of sponsors’ vehicles which will stop off to distribute freebies and goodies including T-shirts, posters and keyrings.

Carrickfergus is to receive £13,500 to put on its best front for an international cycling event later this year.

The borough’s funding boost is part of a £145,000 Department of Social Development package to help towns prepare for the Giro d’Italia bike race in May.

Along with Armagh, Glengormley, Ballycastle and Larne, Carrickfergus will use the money to improve the appearance of properties and derelict sites which are located along the race route.

Announcing the financial support, Social