3,000 cyclists to take to roads in major challenge

3,000 cyclists to take to roads in major challenge

10 June 2015

THE countdown is on to next weekend’s international Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia cycling event which will see up to 3,000 cyclists in the area.

Amateur riders have a choice of two courses during the event being held on Father’s Day, June 21. One is a challenging 177km route which takes them from Belfast into the heart of the Mournes, while the second 58km Strangford route takes riders through Ballygowan, Balloo, Killinchy, Ardmillan and Ballydrain before arriving in Comber. The start and finish point for both routes is Titanic Quarter.

Competitors from across the globe are taking part in the Gran Fondo which is being staged in Northern Ireland over the next three years, with organisers hoping the number of riders taking part in 2018 could more than treble to around 10,000.

The event is being organised by Shadetree Sports and supported by Tourism NI, with Newry, Mourne and Down Council providing financial support. Gran Fondo events take place on closed public roads and are aimed at amateur cyclists.

The 177km Mourne route will be a mental and physical challenge for the fittest of riders. Once they leave Belfast they head for Ballygowan before it’s on to Saintfield and into Dromara to begin the ascent up Slieve Croob and on to Leitrim. From there the riders make their way to Rathfriland and head for Spelga Dam via Hilltown and Rostrevor. 

When they leave Spelga they head cross country for Castlewellan, down into Annsborough and back to Slieve Croob and into Dromara. The riders then skirt around Ballynahinch into Saintfield and Ballygowan heading back to Titanic Quarter via Moneyreagh. Organisers say the Mourne route has been chosen for both its tough climbs and the breathtaking scenery riders will power their way through.

The 58km Strangford route features a loop touching the shores of Strangford Lough and is more suited for beginner and novice cyclists. All participants will enjoy mechanical support on route, fully stocked food and hydration stations, a Giro gift bag with unique items, a post-ride pasta party with beer and wine and finishers’ medals.   

A number of dedicated crossing points will be provided along the routes to facilitate residents and 

full details along with all road closure times are available at www.granfondogiroitaliani.com. Each household along the two routes has already been provided with these details.

Event organisers who were at Hillyard House in Castlewellan on Monday night to provide an overview of the international cycling spectacular, say they have been working closely with the PSNI in the lead up to the event with the organisation also playing a critically important role on the day.

Stephen Gallagher, of Shadetree Sports, said some of the top riders have the potential to reach speeds of 40mph during the event, particularly on a section which takes them towards Rostrevor. He also gave an assurance that organisers will work to mitigate any congestion as best they can during the event.

“We will have competitors from across the globe and the more experienced riders will no doubt find the extremely hilly sections along the Mourne route challenging. As the Gran Fondo will be held in Northern Ireland over the next three years we want to grow and develop what is a global event,” he said.

“We are taking care to minimise the impact the event will have on places of worship given it is taking place on a Sunday. Our long term objective is to build this event and enhance the route for the riders. We are pleased Tourism NI is organising a series of bike-related events across Northern Ireland in the lead up to next week’s event.”

Councillor Patrick Clarke said he’s delighted a “world class cycling event” will pass through a number of local areas including Castlewellan, Slieve Croob and the Mournes and that 3,000 competitors have already entered for the event.

Details of road closures and controlled crossing points along both routes during the event are available at http://www.granfondogiroditaliani.com/