The Giro d'Italia captured the hearts of the Irish last year, and with these two routes - one at 177km - in June the Gran Fondo Giro d'Italia aims to do the same.
Billed as the “major legacy event” of the Giro d’Italia’s visit to Ireland last year, the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland routes have been revealed.
And registration for the event has also been opened today.
The sportive, which involves two routes and will be held on June 21st, was announced last December when the Northern Irish administration confirmed it was financially backing the plan for the next three years.
It is being supported by Tourism Northern Ireland and is being run by Shadetree Sports, the agency that helped bring the Giro start to Irish shores last May.
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The organisers have said the emphasis of the event would be on creating “an authentic Giro d’Italia experience”, including closing the roads for those taking part.
Ireland’s only ever winner of the Giro d’Italia, Stephen Roche, will be an event ambassador.
The weather in June will hopefully be sunny; either way, the spirit of the Giro will ride across the North. Cyclists from everywhere will able to emulate the pros on closed roads (and go on the razz in Belfast afterwards)
Event director Darach McQuaid said he and the team behind the Gran Fondo were “very excited” to get proceedings underway today.
He said the longer, 177km, Mourne route “will challenge the fittest riders by providing tough climbs… bringing them through some breathtaking scenery”.
He was confident the event would result in the emergence of an “iconic cycling route” in the years to come.
He believed the shorter, 58km, Strangford route would be “achievable for beginner and novice” cyclists.
“We want to provide them with as much of the same experience in terms of closed roads and Giro d’Italia feeling, with a route length that should be achievable by many,” said McQuaid.
Related reading - They came, we saw, we nailed it: The iconic photos of Ireland’s magnificent Giro d’Italia
“We’ll provide each participant with many benefits that will make the entry fee very good value for money.
“Among them will be mechanical support on route, fully stocked food and hydration stations on both routes, a Giro gift bag with unique items, a post ride pasta party with beer and wine and finishers medals.
“We’ll be announcing more associated events and benefits in the coming weeks that we're sure will make this Gran Fondo a must do in any cyclist’s diary.”
For registration and to check the prices, click here.
The Mourne Route
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Starting at Titanic Belfast, the riders face a 177km loop that will leave the city via the rolling and twisting roads of Co Down, towards mountain roads that will greet them after 42km.
First up is the steep Monte Dree Hill, which has the ancient Slieve Croob as a backdrop.
Descending off the first climb, the riders will begin to pass through towns and villages such as the hill top spots of Rathfriland and Hilltown as they head closer to the biggest mountain range in Northern Ireland, the Mournes.
Then it’s up the gradual climb of Monte Leitrim Hill, with Carlingford Lough in the background.
Once over Monte Leitrim, the riders will progress further into the Mourne Mountains at the foot of what is being billed as “the jewel of the Gran Fondo Northern Ireland”; the climb of Monte Spelga Dam.
Views across Co Down to Co Armagh are spectacular, according to the organisers, with one of Northern Ireland’s largest reservoirs in sight once the riders hit the top of the mountain.
Staying within the Mournes; as the riders descend alongside Tollymore Forest Park and move into the village of Bryansford, they start the homeward trip and the last challenge of the ride.
Passing through Castlewellan before they begin the last climb of the day to Monte Slieve Croob, the riders will be greeted at the top with views to Lough Neagh.
The last section home will pass through Dromore town and into Ballynahinch and Saintfield on rolling roads before the gradual descent into Belfast, with views of the entire city and Belfast Lough before the finish at Titanic Belfast.
The Strangford Route
The 58km route is much shorter, but the organisers say it will still prove challenging and enjoyable for cycling enthusiasts of all levels.
Leaving Titanic Belfast, the riders will take in two categorised climbs along the 58km run.
The first challenge of the day will take place within the first 6km when riders will tackle Monte Braniel.
Getting half the climbing under their belts nice and early should be enough to convince those wondering if they are able to take this on to give it a go.
Monte Braniel is described as “a gradual climb with beautiful views of the city and across Belfast Lough” once the top is reached.
The riders then move onto rolling roads around some of Co Down’s villages, with Strangford Lough present for much of this route.
The lough is almost totally enclosed by the Ards Peninsula; a beautiful spot.
The route will pass through the historic town of Comber before starting the climb of Monte Moneyreagh; the last ascent of the day.
This section will bring the riders through the rolling hills of North Down. And once the second hill is crested the homeward journey begins.
The field will descend into Belfast city to the finish at Titanic Museum.
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