Countdown on for Gran Fondo

Countdown on for Gran Fondo

13 January 2016

THOUSANDS of cyclists are expected to flock to Down district in June for the second edition of the Gran Fondo Giro D’Italia.

The spectacular event was an unprecedented success last summer and officials are confident that this year will also prove to be a special occasion.

The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5, and will start at Titanic Belfast before moving on to stages in the Mournes and then along the shores of Strangford Lough.

The 2015 Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia saw thousands of cyclists tackling some of the most historic and iconic climbs in Northern Ireland. Fully closed roads made the event a truly once in a lifetime experience for all participants. The routes for the 2016 event will remain the same with the possibility of some minor changes.

The 173km loop on the Saturday will pass over mountains and hills steeped in Irish history with the opportunity to view the beauty of the country from the highest mountain peaks to the Loughs and sea.

After leaving the Titanic Quarter, riders will leave the city of Belfast heading onto the rolling and twisting roads of County Down that guides them to the mountain roads after 42km. 

First up is the steep Dree Hill, which has the ancient Slieve Croob as a back. This is a designated area of natural beauty with the source of the River Lagan starting as a stream from the top of this mountain and running all the way to Belfast Lough. 

After the country lanes and smooth twisting roads descending off the first climb riders will begin their passage through towns and villages of Rathfriland and Hilltown as they head closer to the biggest mountain range in Northern Ireland, the Mourne Mountains. 

Competitors will ride up the gradual climb of Leitrim Hill with the beautiful Carlingford Lough in the background with its high mountain slopes surrounding this exceptional sea inlet.

Once over Monte Leitrim riders go further into the Mourne Mountains were they will be at the foot of the jewel of the Gran Fondo Northern Ireland, the climb of Spelga Dam. 

The steep switch backs and the high peaks will greet their entrance to this climb which will see them hit the roof of the Gran Fondo with the highest elevation for the route at its peak.

Views across County Down to County Armagh are both breathtaking and spectacular with one of Northern Ireland’s largest reservoirs in sight once riders hit the top of the mountain. Riders will stay within the Mourne Mountains as they descend alongside Tollymore Forest Park and into the village of Bryansford before starting the homeward trip and the last challenges that await them.

Passing through Castlewellan, with its wide main street which runs through two main squares lined with chestnut trees, the fast descent out of the town will be a nice reprieve before riders begin the last climb of the day to Slieve Croob. 

This long climb will once again take riders to a peak that will pass through the ancient hills. Folklore tells that 12 kings are buried at the top of the mountain.

Riders will be greeted at the top with views to Lough Neagh and many of Northern Ireland’s counties and towns.

The last leg home will pass through Dromara town and into Saintfield on rolling roads before the gradual descent into Belfast city with views of the entire city and Belfast Lough to greet riders on their return before the finish at Titanic Belfast.

The 58km route on Sunday will prove challenging and enjoyable for all levels of cycling enthusiasts. 

If you are new to cycling events or want to set yourself a personal challenge to help boost your fitness and experience that Giro feeling, then this route is for you.

Leaving the Titanic Belfast start, riders will ride 58km of rolling roads with two categorised climbs. 

The first challenge of the day will take place within the first 6km when they will tackle Monte 

Braniel.

A gradual climb that will give them beautiful views of the city and across Belfast Lough once they reach the top. 

Completing the first real challenge of the day will set riders up for a beautiful ride on the rolling roads around some of County Down’s villages with the beauty of Strangford Lough to keep them company for much of this route. 

The lough is almost totally enclosed by the Ards Peninsula. The main body of the lough has at least 70 islands along with many islets, bays, coves, headlands and mudflats that you will pass during your ride. It is a conservation area and its abundant wildlife is recognised internationally.

Once leaving the Peninsula riders will pass through the historic town of Comber before starting the climb of Monte Moneyreagh which will be the last climb of the day. 

This section will guide riders through the rolling hills of North Down with the twisting and smooth road helping them enjoy their last challenge of the day on the way back to Belfast.