Giro D'Italia 2014 To Start In Ireland

The world's second biggest cycle race after the Tour de France - the Giro D'Italia - will start in Ireland next year.

The opening stage will take place in Belfast, and two further stages will also take place in Ireland finishing in Dublin.

Michele Acquarone, head of the Giro and managing director of Italian race organiser RCS Sport, said: "Belfast will provide spectacular backdrops for the 2014 Grand Partenza (Big Start) and will add something very special into the history of this great cycling event."

The cross-border element of the race is seen as highly symbolic, and the tourism benefits are expected to be considerable.

It's expected to be worth up to €50m to the economy based on both the expenditure of the teams and supporters and the long term benefits from global TV exposure.

"This prestigious event will be seen by millions of sports and cycling fans everywhere, presenting us with a fantastic opportunity to highlight the island of Ireland around the world as a top location for sporting events, as well as a wonderful holiday destination," said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland.

Ireland's most famous cyclists Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche both attended the announcement in Belfast last week.

Roche, who won the event himself in the '80s, said he hoped cycling authorities in Ireland can capitalize on the publicity to boost the sport in Ireland.

He said when the Tour de France came to Ireland in 1998, not enough was done.

"The Tour de France came here and went and have you seen any difference? I hope some ways of developing cycling can come on the back of it and maybe sponsors may come on board for a new Tour of Ireland."