Gran Fondo cycle race gets underway

The Gran Fondo bike race is getting underway in Northern Ireland - and it looks set to be the biggest one yet.

Thousands of cyclists are competing in the event, which starts and finishes at the Stormont Estate in Belfast and plots a course through some of Co Down’s most picturesque scenery.

The race will feature two routes - one through the Mourne Mountains and another that takes in Strangford Lough.

Cyclists on the Mourne route set off at 7am, and those competing in the Strangford route set off at 8.30am, and police have advised that a number of road closures will be in place.

The Gran Fondo is a legacy event from the Giro d’Italia, which was staged in Northern Ireland in 2014.

It has been held annually since and organisers say it has gone from strength to strength, attracting more and more riders each year.

This year, cyclists from Russia, the USA and all across Europe have registered to take part.

The Gran Fondo also provides a boost to the local economy, to the tune of over £1.5m in 2016, while 88% of visitors described it as “good” or “extremely good”.