Saturday 10th May will see the second day of the Grande Partenza or the ‘big start’ of the Giro d’Italia race, pass through Newtownabbey twice.
As part of the Causeway Coastal Route, the cyclists will race through Glengormley at approximately 10.50am and along the Shore road at approximately 4pm as they near the finish line in Belfast.
Speaking about the upcoming Giro d’Italia, the Mayor Alderman Fraser Agnew commented “The world famous race will pass through Newtownabbey twice bringing the festival atmosphere with it as it passes through. To welcome this fantastic event, parts of the borough have undergone somewhat of a makeover with various improvements to buildings and shop fronts through DSD and DOE funding.
All in all, Newtownabbey will be looking it’s best for the world’s media and I hope everyone gets out and welcomes the cyclists and enjoys this very unique occasion.”
To encourage everyone to mark and enjoy the spectacle, various family fun events will take place along the route:
Get into Glengormley for the Giro fun taking place throughout the town centre from 9am-1pm! The event will be jam-packed with activities for all the family including face-painting, arts and crafts, balloon modelling, street entertainment, bouncy castles and some children’s favourite characters on walkabout!
A spectacle in itself, the caravan of promotional vehicles will be giving out goodies and creating a buzz in Glengormley at 9.20am
At Loughshore Park from 1-5pm there will be amusements, inflatables and lots of family fun activities. Why not get in the ‘pink’ and try the sports on offer – pink cycling, pink football and pink aerobics? Cycling enthusiasts will love the cycling challenges and cycle checks. With the exception of the amusements, all activities are FREE!
Whiteabbey Village will host an event from 2-4pm which will see the Really Rubbish Orchestra perform with instruments made from bicycle parts in the Presbyterian Church car park. The Templemore Silver Band will also provide entertainment while children’s activities such as face painting and balloon modelling will be available.
Fun days will take place at Rathcoole (Shore Road entrance) and Merville Garden Village fun from 2-4pm with free inflatables, face painting and balloon modelling and performances by local bands.
Also look out for local food businesses offering Italian inspired menus and the Giro themed window displays in Glengormley.
Please also be reminded that in order to facilitate the race, the following road closures will be in place during the event:
Antrim Road 8am-11.30am and Shore Road 1pm-4.40pm.
Sandyknowes offslip at M2 will also have limited access during the times of 8am-11.30am.
For more information on the Giro d’Italia visiting Newtownabbey, please visit www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/giro or contact Lisa O’Kane on telephone 028 9034 0052 or email lokane@newtownabbey.gov.uk