On Saturday 10th May, the world famous Giro D’Italia Cycle Race will pass Ballymoney Rugby Club as part of the second days racing on the 200km Causeway Coastal Route.

For those non-enthusiasts, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s ‘Big 3’ iconic cycle races pass our door step. Traditionally, the first 3 days of the Giro D’Italia are held outside Italy and this year the ‘Big Start’ is being hosted by Northern Ireland.

The Giro is a hugely popular European event and more than just a bike race. The ‘Giro Caravan’ goes hand-in-hand with the race it precedes: with the multi-coloured procession creating a wave of excitement, handing out promotional items along the race route. The main race is a superb spectacle of around 200 cyclists from 22 teams, representing 12 countries. TV coverage is beamed to 775 million people worldwide.

On 10th May the race will start from the Titanic Quarter in Belfast and will pass through Antrim & Ballymena before making its way along the A26 Frosses Road past Ballymoney before heading to Whiterocks and then taking the coast road on its return to the finish in Belfast.

Roads will be closed approximately 3½ hours before the race passes. Official parking for spectators can be found at Ballymoney Rugby Club.

Key timings for Saturday 10th May are as follows:

9.30am​ ROADS CLOSE IN BALLYMONEY (A26). No cross traffic from arterial routes will be allowed after this time.
11.00am​ Giro Caravan arrives.
12.30pm​ Peleton arrives.
1.00pm​ Roads open.

Timings are approximate.

Car parking at Ballymoney Rugby Club costs £3 for all day parking.

Additionally, Ballymoney Rugby Club will be accepting motorhomes and caravans on Friday 9th May (and Saturday 10th May if required). Cost per pitch is £10 per night.

Links:​
http://www.girostart2014.com
​http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/downloads/GiroEssentialGuide.pdf
​http://www.ballymoney.gov.uk/files/2014/BikeWeekFlyer2014%20Final%20(2).pdf