The Giro makes its way around the Antrim coast
TV audiences got a view of Ulster's coastline
A rain-soaked Giro d’Italia waves goodbye to Northern Ireland today after getting a ‘Giant’s’ welcome around the north coast yesterday.
The massive world event will leave Armagh today on its way to Dublin passing through Loughgall and south Armagh along the way.
It was estimated over 300,000 people had lined the 135 mile route yesterday despite shocking weather conditions.
In small towns like Carnlough and Waterfoot fans were bunched up three and four deep hoping to get a glance of the riders as they flew past at speeds of over 40kmh.
With 175 different countries watching on TV Northern Ireland was on show to a potential 1 billion audience – and the weather apart – it was a roaring success.
The 22 teams taking part weaved their way to the north coast from Belfast just before 11am yesterday morning.
Taking in Ballymena, Ballymoney and dozens of town and villages in between the public didn’t let a good soaking put them off coming out to support the 200 riders.
They then began the stunning return journey along Ulster’s world famous coast road taking in the Giant’s Causeway and the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge along the way.
The race was won by German rider and sprint specialist Marcel Kittell who pipped a host of other riders to the post.