The Ulster Unionist Party’s sports spokesperson Michael McGimpsey MLA has praised local people for making the Giro d’Italia a resounding success and looked forward to the North West 200.
Mr McGimpsey said:
“Northern Ireland’s hosting of the Giro d’Italia was a huge success as the entire Province rallied behind the event. The City of Belfast did us proud on Friday, and this was continued by County Antrim on Saturday and Armagh on Sunday as the warmth of our people and the beauty of our local scenery was beamed to a watching audience of hundreds of millions.
“I would like to pay tribute to the organisers and in particular the many volunteers who assisted with the smooth running of the event which showcased the Province at its best.
“The people of Northern Ireland certainly love their sport and this week sees another major international event in the form of the North West 200.
“Race organisers and fans will be hoping they are blessed with better weather than has been the case in recent years as the north coast prepares to host a week-long festival of racing, culminating in 100,000 people descending on the Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush circuit for the main race day on Saturday, including thousands of visitors from throughout the British Isles and further afield.
“I would like to extend my best wishes to the North West organisers, participants and fans for a successful and safe event that once again shows all that is good about Northern Ireland.”