Ireland to host start of 2014 Giro d'Italia

Organisers have confirmed that one of the sport's Grand Tour races, the Giro d'Italia, will begin in Ireland next year.

Ireland will host three stages between May 10 and 12 in Belfast, Armagh and Dublin for the 2014 race.

"Belfast will provide spectacular backdrops for the 2014 Grand Partenza and will add something very special into the history of this great cycling event," the Irish Independent quotes Michele Acquarone, head of the Giro and managing director of Italian race organiser RCS Sport, as saying.

This news comes following the decision to host three stages of the 2014 Tour de France in England.