Larne urged to say Benvenuto to the Giro d’Italia

Stephen Gallagher of Shade Tree Sports, Carolyn Boyd, Duncan McCausland and Eddie Rowan of the NITB at the launch of Giro D'Italia in the Larne Town Hall. INLT 08-321-PR

The Black Arch will undergo a complete colour change, being illuminated in pink along with the Chaine Tower and the bridge at Carnlough.

The Giro will race along the Coast Road through Carnlough and Glenarm to Larne and on to Whitehead and Carrickfergus on Saturday, May 10.

Mayor, Cllr Maureen Morrow says there will be a massive “Benvenuto” in the borough. “We have so many ideas, and we want to hear more from local businesses, schools and community groups as to how we can make this the biggest event we’ve ever experienced,” said the mayor.

The council is already in the saddle and in the process of organising nearly two weeks of events and promotions. The cycle route will be “dressed” for the occasion, a pink-lit bike ride is planned, along with a pink cycle ride for families.

Carnevale comes to Larne on Saturday, May 3, featuring fancy dress, bicycle checks and music while throughout May the museum and arts centre will host a Cycling Past, Present and Future exhibition.

Pumping up the anticipation will be a pop-up opera at Broadway, which is to be transformed into an Italian piazza. Larne Market Yard will be transformed into Little Italia to host a continental market.

Larne is setting out to get noticed by placing specially decorated PVC cut-outs of the Giro mascot (Freddie Forte) at strategic locations along the race route. Local artists including Geraldine Connan and Margaret Mathews are working on the Bike Art right now.

The Larne Time will keep you up to date – in print and on the web – with Giro events up to and including the Northern Ireland stages.