There will be a new start/finish line at this year’s Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia.
Stormont Estate, which was featured in the iconic opening team time trial of the 2014 Giro Big Start, will be the new headquarters for the event June 3-4th
“We have really enjoyed our two years of having the event based at Titanic Belfast,” said Darach McQuaid of event organisers Shadetree Sports.
“The route changes are minimal and the overall length of both the Mourne and Strangford routes will not see much of a change. We are excited to move to Stormont Estate which saw such big crowds during the 2014 Giro d’Italia Big Start opening stage.
“In particular, the estate will offer our riders and their families a beautiful setting throughout the weekend to relax and enjoy the grounds. Also for Shadetree Sports, delivering on our economic impact aims for our key partner Tourism NI is very important, and this has been a success.”
A Spokesperson for the Department of Finance NI Stormont Estate Management Unit added: “The Stormont Estate is a public park situated five miles out of Belfast City Centre with beautiful gardens, walking and fitness trails and a children’s play park.
“The Estate has been recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s best green spaces with the prestigious Green Flag award.
“Stormont Estate also is home to several Northern Ireland Civil Service government department buildings including Parliament Buildings, where the Northern Ireland Assembly is based. On Sunday 4 June 2017 the Estate is delighted to welcome thousands of cyclists and supporters when it hosts the start and finish of the third edition of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland.”
If your bike needs a last minute tweek or your body needs some nutrition for the journey just call in and we’ll be happy to help you.
