Giro d’Italia

A look back at Northern Ireland as it played host to cyclists from 30 different countries.

Cyclists starting the Giro d’Italia in May travelled over 265 miles across Northern Ireland at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. It was the first time the race had taken place outside continental Europe and it was broadcast to 775 million people from 174 countries.

The traditional Giro colour pink was enthusiastically adopted by the cheering crowds as the cyclists swished passed. Even some local sheep had their wool dyed pink for the occasion.

Around 140,000 spectators across Belfast, the Antrim Coast and County Armagh supported the race before it made its way to Dublin. German Marcel Kittel won the second stage and Australian Michael Matthews took the race lead, wearing the pink jersey.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster commented that “bringing the world’s second biggest race to Northern Ireland was about proving on the international stage that we can deliver when it comes to staging major events.”

It is expected the Giro d’Italia will generate a PR value worth around £10 million. “There will also be a significant economic return, with local businesses and the hospitality sector benefiting from the influx of tourists,” she added.

The total cost of hosting the race was £4.2 million, with £3 million of this provided by the Executive and the European Union. The region looks forward to welcoming future sporting events as the Irish Open is set to return in 2015 and 2017.