Plenty to do as the Giro gets in gear

As part of the Festival, the Coleraine Town Centre Critereum (Crit) and Critter Run takes place on Wednesday 7th May from 6pm and will take in multiple laps of a tight 1km circuit starting in Church Street.

Organisers of the event, local cycling club ‘The Bann Wheelers’ expect 60 cyclists to participate on the night.

On Thursday 8th May, Portrush and Portstewart Primary schools will take part in an early morning challenge, the ‘Primary Schools Pedal in Pink’ cycle. Kids will cycle along the National Cycle Route between the two towns converging at Juniper Hill Caravan Site for some further fun and games.

Friday 9th May, Council host the ‘Port to Port Sunset Cycle’. This will be a 3 mile cycle each way in pink. Open to families, everyone is encouraged to take part in the fancy dress cycle ride along the stunning coast road which will depart from Harbour Hill, Portstewart at 7pm towards West Bay Portrush.

West Bay will be the festival hub for the evening hosting events starting at 7pm. Entertainment will include the Trialstar cycle stunt show, live music with ‘Rightly On’, face painting, a pedal powered smoothie maker, a meet and greet with Mario and Luigi and much more. Sponsors of the event, Morelli’s Ices, will also be in attendance offering FREE Ice cream.

Arnaldo Morelli of Morelli’s Ices said: “We’re very excited to be involved in the Council’s efforts to help celebrate the Giro d’Italia coming to the Borough. My family are very proud of their Italian heritage so it’s only proper that we mark such an occasion in style.”

To round off the Festival, during Saturday 10th May, the Giro d’Italia will pass through the Borough from Ballybogey towards the Royal Court Hotel and on to Dunluce Castle. The race procession is expected from 11.30am with the Giro cycling elite expected at approximately 1pm.

Residents and visitors please be aware that parking will be available in Portrush, Whiterocks, and Portballintrae within easy walking and cycling to the route. Parking will not be allowed along the actual route as these roads will close from 10am for up to four hours.

Additional spaces will be provided at Magheracross Car Park and in fields along the Dunluce Road although these will be limited. There will be no movement to or from these two parks until roads re-open.