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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. Tens of thousands of spectators have turned out for the second stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race.
About 200 cyclists set off from Belfast to travel along the north coast before returning to the city. Some of Northern Ireland's most scenic routes featured in the 135-mile (218km) course. Riders set off from Belfast and passed along the north Antrim coast.
German rider Marcel Kittel won stage two in a thrilling sprint finish, with a time of five hours and 13 seconds. The stage ended in a thrilling sprint finish in Belfast city centre.
Tens of thousands of people turned out along the 135-mile (218km) route to watch the race on Saturday. German Marcel Kittel won in a time of 5:13:12". Australian Michael Matthews took the famous pink jersey for overall race leader.
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 his team, Orica Greenedge, won the team time-trial on Friday.
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 was 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.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.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.