Robinson and McGuinness welcome official unveiling of Giro D’Italia route.
First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA today welcomed the launch of the full race route of the prestigious Giro d’Italia which will start in Belfast in May 2014.
The Grand Tour cycling race is one of the world’s biggest sporting events and The Grande Partenza or ‘Big Start’ of the Giro d’Italia will take place in Northern Ireland over three days from 9-11 May 2014.
The Ministers said: “We look forward to welcoming the Giro d’Italia next May. Following on the back of other recent sporting and cultural events such as the highly successful World Police and Fire Games and last year’s Irish Open golf tournament as well as the visit of the Olympic flame, we are now positioning ourselves as a key location to host world-class sporting events.
“By hosting the Giro d’Italia we will further strengthen the competitive position of our tourism industry and contribute to growing our economy in both the short and long term.
“Having the world’s media here once again offers us another valuable opportunity to showcase the spectacular backdrop of Northern Ireland as an exciting tourist destination.
“The event is expected to attract around £10million worth of international media coverage and will be of significant assistance in achieving our Programme for Government aim to increase visitor numbers and tourist revenue.”
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