Borough gets into top gear for arrival of Giro d’Italia

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

Bann Wheelers, organisers of the event, are expecting 60 cyclists to participate on the night.

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

On Friday,May 9 Council host the ‘Port to Port Sunset Cycle’. This will be a three 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.The event is suitable for families of all ages with previous cycling experience. 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 says: “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, May 10, 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.

Resident 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 4 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.

As the racing cyclists depart from the Borough, NEELB Youth Concert Orchestra will play a mix of Italian flavoured pieces in a free concert located at Station Square Portrush from 2pm. Morellis Ices will be along with some FREE Ice Cream for some additional fun.

The motorised wheels of the Mini Moto fraternity will be competing throughout the day at East Strand Car Park in round two of the all Ireland mini motorcycle championships.

The event is due to commence at 10am, concluding at 5pm approximately.

Welcoming the Giro to the North Coast, the Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor David Harding told The Coleraine Times, “I extend an open invitation to residents and visitors to come to the north coast and experience the Giro D’Italia event programme. Coleraine Borough Council has some very special events as part of our very own Festival, free for everyone to enjoy.”