Fly in for the Giro d'Italia Big Start 2014

Belfast and Northern Ireland are hosting the Giro d'Italia Big Start (Grande Partenza) from 8 - 11 May 2014 with three days of unmissable cycling action and a special pre-race event in Belfast on 8 May: Giro Opening - Come Meet the Riders! 

This is one of professional cycling's three Grand Tour events with over 200 of the top professional cyclists from across the globe taking part.

There will be a range of events and activities before and during the races, including a fabulous celebration worthy of Italian cycling traditions and the maglia rosa (the pink jersey).

For more information, go to visit-belfast.com/giro

Giro Opening Event - 8 May

This is your chance to see your cycling idols up close and personal. The nine riders from each of the 22 teams will be presented along with a range of entertainment to celebrate the Big Start in Belfast. This event at Belfast City Hall is free to attend but will be ticketed access. Tickets will be limited to two per person. Find out more >>

Free tickets will be released to the public on a first-come, first-served basis at 9am, Thursday 24 April via:

• online at visit-belfast.com
• in person at Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, opposite Belfast City Hall (9 Donegall Square North, Belfast, BT1 5GJ) - view map

There will be a designated accessible viewing area within the event site. Tickets for this area are limited and only available by telephone booking from 9am on 24 April 2014. To book, please call Visit Belfast Welcome Centre 028 9024 6609. Accessible tickets are limited to one per person and an accompanying guest.

Stage One - 9 May 

Stage One of the Giro d'Italia in Northern Ireland is a team time trial (21.7km) through Belfast, taking the following route. Find out more >>

Stage Two - 10 May

Stage Two begins and ends in Belfast with a 218km route via the Causeway Coast.Find out more >>

Stage three - 11 May

Stage Three starts in The Mall, Armagh and finishes in Dublin city centre. Find out more >>

Get on Yer Bike! Festival

An eight-day Giro festival, from 3-11 May, will celebrate all things Giro including films, exhibitions, tours, street entertainment, cookery classes and much more. Find out more >>

More information

Road closures - Traffic Watch NI
www.trafficwatchni.com/giro 

Public Transport Diversions - Translink
www.translink.co.uk/giro

For further information, visit www.girostart2014.com or follow @girostart2014 on Twitter (hash tag #girostart2014) and facebook.com/GiroStart2014

Useful telephone numbers

DRD Traffic and Travel Tel: 028 9025 3000
PSNI (Police) Tel: 101