This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-27337601

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Giro d'Italia: Northern Ireland stage begins in Belfast Giro d'Italia: Northern Ireland stage begins in Belfast
(about 1 hour 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.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.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.
Some of the loudest cheers were given to Irish professional cyclist Nicolas Roche, whose father Stephen Roche won the Giro D'Italia 27 years ago.
Acknowledging the applause, Nicolas Roche said: "I am so happy and so proud to be here among you guys."
He added: "Thanks everyone for being here tonight, I am speechless."
Another Irish cyclist, Philip Deignan from Team Sky, was also given a loud welcome.
The County Donegal native said: "I never thought I would see the day when I would be able to start the race in my own country so it is amazing."
Belfast City Council's events manager, Gerry Copeland, said the atmosphere at the opening ceremony was "absolutely incredible".
"Despite mother nature depositing a sizable amount of rain on top of the people, it really was fantastic."
Mr Copeland said there was "glorious pink everywhere" as the city embraced the traditional colour of the 97-year-old race.
The events manager added that hosting such a high-profile competition would boost Belfast's reputation on the international stage.
"About 775m people will actually view this event, they will see this city in its shining glory, so it's an amazing event to have."
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.
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.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 actual race begins in the east of the city on Friday afternoon.The actual race begins in the east of the city on Friday afternoon.
Stage one of the competition is a team time trial from Titanic Quarter to Stormont and on to Belfast City Hall.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.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.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.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.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.The Giro d'Italia is the biggest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland, with competitors from more than 30 countries taking part.