Philip Deignan on stage at tonight's team presentation in City Hall, Belfast; a fantastic night for him, Irish cycling and indeed for Belfast.
By Ger Cromwell
In Belfast
Even before tonight's team presentation at Belfast's City Hall, Philip Deignan had been overwhelmed by the public interest and support in him on this Giro d'Italia.
With a constant stream of fans outside the Team Sky hotel and most of the locals having his phone number, he's been as busy meeting and greeting as he has on the bike.
"I've been tempted to turn off the phone a few times," laughed the Donegal man today.
"I'm not really used to all this attention but obviously it's a huge occasion for all of us, myself, Dan and Nico and I'll try and enjoy the moment."
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The squad have been training hard ahead of tomorrow's team time trial and Deignan has noticed a difference in the
"Yesterday we did three hours and did a lot of team time trial practice, getting the line up right and stuff. We went out to Bangor on some of the back roads.
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"Everyone is really excited about the team time trial but you have to stay calm. At the end of the day it's a three week bike race and it's not all about tomorrow.
"It's strange when we go out on the bikes. The motorists have been really good, letting us out, stopping when we ride past and taking a few pictures.
"Physically I feel good. I'm maybe missing a few extra race days just to sharpen things up but hopefully I'll get that in the first few days."
We're hoping to have some exciting news about Deignan tomorrow so please stay tuned.
Deignan seemed a little taken aback by all the special attention from the crowd this evening where he got a massive welcome in Belfast.
He appreciated the fantastic cheers he got on the stage, his Donegal home not too far away.
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