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4,000 Cyclists tackled Northern Ireland's Giro d'Italia Gran Fondo

Sun-kissed Gran Fondo a stunning spectacle as race draws crowds as last year's winner retains crown

Belfast, Ireland, 6th June - The rider who has won Northern Ireland's Giro d'Italia Gran Fondo for the second year in a row has told of his delight after he crossed the line in a nail-biting finish. In sweltering conditions, Ballywalter man Mark Kane's race ended in a photo finish before he was announced as the proud winner of the bike race for the second year in a row. Mark (46), a member of the Northern Cycle Club which was established in 1914, pipped others to the post, finishing the 180 kilometres in just over five hours.

"I'm delighted - absolutely over the moon," said Mark, who works full-time in his father's shop. "I won last year and I was hoping to repeat it, so I am really pleased.

"Though it was a challenging course - some steep hills and beautiful scenery, with some excellent cyclists taking part and it was a close finish.

"But what a fantastic day for everyone, the kids and supporters and the weather is great too. The best thing about the course is that the roads are closed off making it very safe.

"It's a great experience for everyone who took part, to be able to take either route and cycle with people of the same ability whether you are competing or cycling for fun.

"And there are people here from all over the world, it's great for the economy too and an excellent day for the whole family."

More than 4,000 cyclists and spectators rolled into Belfast yesterday for the second Gran Fondo. Pedalling in the scorching sunshine as temperatures soared to 23C, cyclists of all abilities completed one of two tough courses to gain their bragging rights.

With amateurs and elites flocking to take part from as far away as South Africa and Australia, as well as across the UK and Ireland, the family day proved a winner for people of all ages.

Now in its second year, riders pedalled their way around the gruelling Mourne course which snaked through Castlewellan and the hilly terrain of Spelga Dam before going through Rostrevor and Slieve Croob.

Those wanting a more leisurely but still challenging cycle took the 40km Strangford route through Ballygowan, Moneyreagh and Comber.

Mark's father Dave (75) took part in the 40km and said he was delighted to see such a turn out and especially the number of women who signed up this year.

"It's not about competition, it's about the enjoyment," he said.

"It's a good boost for the economy as well with so many people coming to such a great event in our wee country, staying in hotels and spending money here.

"There are only 12 Gran Fondos in the whole world and we have one of them right here. It's absolutely brilliant!"

Giro d’Italia Winners and World Cycling Champions and legends of the sport Stephen Roche and Gianni Bugno took part.

The Mourne Route challenged the fittest riders by providing tough climbs and take them through some breathtaking scenery including the Spelga Dam and Slieve Croob with views over Lough Neagh.

The Strangford Route was a loop achievable for beginners and novice cyclists that covered a route around North Down with the beauty of Strangford Lough to keep them company for much of the way.

Participants enjoyed mechanical support, fully stocked food and hydration stations on both routes.

At the finish all riders deservedly received their medals as they completed the respective courses.

There were opportunities to have photographs taken with the iconic Giro Trophy at the Titanic Exhibition Centre and a post ride pasta party and a closing ceremony.

The event included loads of family activities as part of the Northern Ireland Festival of Cycling, which will included a televised round of Street Velodrome, the UK pop up track series.

Link to results - http://www.chiptiming.co.uk/results/?sport=2&year=2016&event=2644&race=4468