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Giro d'Italia second stage at north coast of NI | Giro d'Italia second stage at north coast of NI |
(35 minutes later) | |
The Giro d'Italia has been visiting one of Northern Ireland's most scenic routes on the cycling race's second stage. | |
About 200 cyclists set off from Belfast to travel along the north coast before returning to the city. | About 200 cyclists set off from Belfast to travel along the north coast before returning to the city. |
German rider Marcel Kittel won stage two in a thrilling sprint finish, with a time of five hours and 13 seconds. | |
Tens of thousands of people turned out along the 135-mile (218km) route to watch the race on Saturday. | |
Australian Michael Matthews of Orica Greenedge takes over the famous pink jersey for overall race leader after the second stage. | |
His team mate Svein Tuft was overall leader on the first day when the team time-trial was won by the Australian outfit. | |
However, Irish cyclist Dan Martin has been ruled out of the Giro after suffering a suspected broken collarbone in a fall. | However, Irish cyclist Dan Martin has been ruled out of the Giro after suffering a suspected broken collarbone in a fall. |
Northern Ireland is hosting the initial stages of the race over three days, as 22 teams begin their attempt to win the prestigious title. | Northern Ireland is hosting the initial stages of the race over three days, as 22 teams begin their attempt to win the prestigious title. |
In the second stage of the race, the riders travelled through Antrim, Ballymena and Bushmills, before returning to Belfast via Larne and Carrickfergus. | |
Many roads along the route were closed throughout the day at various times, and motorists were warned to expect disruption. | |
Full details of road closures can be found at trafficwatchni.com/giro. | Full details of road closures can be found at trafficwatchni.com/giro. |
The third and final stage in Northern Ireland begins in Armagh on Sunday, as the competitors race over the border for a sprint finish in Dublin. | The third and final stage in Northern Ireland begins in Armagh on Sunday, as the competitors race over the border for a sprint finish in Dublin. |
The Giro d'Italia is the biggest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland, with competitors from more than 30 countries taking part. | The Giro d'Italia is the biggest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland, with competitors from more than 30 countries taking part. |