On yer bike! and set sail for the sporting moment of 2014

One of the UK and Ireland’s sporting moments of 2014, the Giro d’Italia, rides into Ireland in May as the ‘big start’ or Grande Partneza gets underway.  Riders from around 30 countries and an expected 140,000 overnight visitors will be in Ireland for the event which will be watched on TV by an estimated audience of 800 million. 

The Grande Partenza kicks off three days of intense competition, from May 9 – 11, as almost 200 of the world’s elite cyclists race through Belfast, the magnificent Causeway Coastal Route and the historic city of Armagh on their way to Dublin in the hope of claiming victory and the pink winner’s jersey.

Diane Poole OBE, Head of PR and Communications for Stena Line, said:  “This is a once in a lifetime chance for people in England, Scotland and Wales to come to Ireland and be part of one the world’s biggest sporting events.

“We have the best choice of routes and sailing times on the Irish Sea and ‘wheely’ fantastic Giro deals from as little as *£30 return for an adult foot passenger; *£39 return for an adult foot passenger and bicycle; *£49 return for a motorbike and rider or *£119 return for car plus driver so fans can follow in the paths of their idols.”

With thousands of spectators expected to line the routes the atmosphere will be electrifying, explained Diane:  “For those who want to be in Belfast for the historic Grande Partenza you can travel from Liverpool and Cairnryan right to the heart of Belfast and follow the whole race.  Or catch the riders as they travel to Dublin from Armagh by taking the ferry from Holyhead to either Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire and remember that we have no baggage restrictions on all of our sailings.

“There will be a real carnival atmosphere along the whole of the race route ensuring there is lots for families to enjoy as well as cycling fans and watch out for the pink theme as whole buildings and even some food will be turning pink to celebrate the race.”

Giro d’Italia itinerary

• Day ONE, May 9, 21.7km – the iconic Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, will be the venue for the Team Time Trial which also passes Northern Ireland’s seat of government, Parliament Buildings at Stormont before finishing at Belfast City Hall in the heart of the city
• Day TWO, May 10, 218km – riders will head north along the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route passing The Giants Causeway which was voted third in a list of the world’s fifty greatest wonders by The Lonely Planet.  Other tourism highlights include the stunning Dunluce and Carrickfergus Castles and the glorious Glens of Antrim
• Day THREE, May 11, 187km – the final day’s action will start from the historic Cathedral City of Armagh as riders travel through the county’s famous apple country south towards to Dublin.

Celebrate the Giro d’Italia on Stena Line’s Facebook page now, until May 2, and win prizes in the ‘Big Start Road Race Quiz’.  Prizes include a road bike worth over £800, ferry travel to Belfast or Dublin for a car + 2 adults with access to Stena Plus Lounge and a £50 voucher for cycling equipment.  Log onto Stena Line’s website, www.stenaline.co.uk/giro, Facebook page, facebook.com/StenaLineUKIE, or Twitter feed, @StenaLineUK, for details.

For further information or to make a booking log onto www.stenaline.co.uk/giro, call them direct on 08447 70 70 70.

* Terms and conditions apply.  Subject to availability.

[Ends]

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: For further information, please contact Michael McCrory of Duffy Rafferty Communications on 028 9073 0880