Gran Forno cycle race for district

Gran Forno cycle race for district

25 February 2015

THE Strangford and Mournes area will feature heavily in this summer’s Gran Fondo cycling event which Northern Ireland is hosting for the first time.

The event follows on from the success of last year’s Giro d’Italia and Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster is encouraging local cyclists to sign up to take part in the event.

She said the Giro showcased Northern Ireland as a premium cycling and tourism destination, explaining the Gran Fondo 

represents a “major legacy” of the success of the 2014 event. Run by Giro d’Italia organisers, RCS, the Gran Fondo will be taking place in the Province for the next three years.

“Work has been ongoing by event organisers Shadetree Sports, supported by Tourism Northern Ireland, to confirm the announced cycling routes for the first event which will be take place in June,” said the Minister. 

“Details of the two Strangford and Mourne routes are now available, both of which showcase our beautiful scenery and countryside travelling through towns and villages such as Rathfriland, Hilltown, Castlewellan and Comber. The Strangford route will also be starting from Belfast’s Titanic before taking in views of the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes.”

Minister Foster added: “With global interest expected and international participants travelling to Northern Ireland, there will be a positive economic impact, with riders and their families filling local hotels and restaurants. With fully closed roads across the routes, the Gran Fondo will go some way to giving participants that true Giro experience.” 

South Down Assemblyman Sean Rogers said while the Mournes is included in the Gran Fondo route “much work still needs to be done to ensure the area can capitalise on the prestigious event.”

He continued: “Following the disappointment that South Down was excluded from last years G’iro d’Italia cycle race I am pleased that the Minister, Race Organisers and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board finally accepted my bid to include a Mournes route in the legacy event the Gran Fondo.

“During the discussions I highlighted the truly unique and picturesque route South Down has to offer the cycling fraternity. Exciting and challenging road contours matched with spectacular scenery at every stage of the journey allows South Down to confidently showcase this premier world class event.”

Mr. Rogers said the first of the three annual Gran Fondo events will take place on June 21 and will include a 177km Mourne route.

The South Down MLA said he is committed to continuing in his endeavours to ensure the area maximises on the potential of the event, adding: “I will continue to meet with the Tourist Board to ensure the Mourne route of the race is well promotes and advertised.”