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Giro d'Italia: Northern Ireland stage begins in Belfast Giro d'Italia: Northern Ireland stage begins in Belfast
(35 minutes later)
The world's second-largest bike race, the Giro d'Italia, is due to begin in Belfast later on Friday.The world's second-largest bike race, the Giro d'Italia, is due to begin in Belfast later on Friday.
Road closures will be in place for much of the day in many parts of the city and thousands of fans are expected to attend the international event.Road closures will be in place for much of the day in many parts of the city and thousands of fans are expected to attend the international event.
Northern Ireland is hosting the initial stages of the competition over the next three days, which will see about 200 cyclists race through the streets.Northern Ireland is hosting the initial stages of the competition over the next three days, which will see about 200 cyclists race through the streets.
A total of 22 teams are competing for the prestigious title.
About 5,500 members of the public gathered at Belfast City Hall as the teams were introduce on stage on Thursday evening at the opening ceremony.
Full details of road closures can be found at: www.trafficwatchni.com/giro.Full details of road closures can be found at: www.trafficwatchni.com/giro.
The race starts with a time trial in Belfast on Friday, beginning in the city's Titanic Quarter. From 09:30 BST to 12:30 BST on Friday, several streets in east Belfast, south Belfast, and the city centre will be closed for a practice session.
The cyclists will travel to Stormont via the Newtownards Road then make their way to Belfast City Hall. The actual race begins in the east of the city on Friday afternoon.
Motorists have been warned to expect disruption in Belfast on Friday and to use alternative routes. Stage one of the competition is a team time trial from Titanic Quarter to Stormont and on to Belfast City Hall.
The cyclists will travel to Stormont via the Newtownards Road then make their way through south Belfast to the city centre.
About 20 roads will be closed from 16:00 BST to 20:30 BST for the time trial.
Motorists have been warned to expect disruption in the city on Friday and to use alternative routes.
Spectators have been advised to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to the event.
On Saturday, the race moves on to the north coast of Northern Ireland and on Sunday the competitors will travel from Armagh to Dublin.On Saturday, the race moves on to the north coast of Northern Ireland and on Sunday the competitors will travel from Armagh to Dublin.
The Giro d'Italia is the biggest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland, with competitors from more than 30 countries taking part.