Cyclists from around the world will be saying ‘Ciao, Belfast’ on Sunday 5 June when the celebrated Italian birra, Menabrea, returns as official beer partner of 2016 Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland.
Almost 4,000 cyclists from 17 countries will line up, wheel to wheel, at Titanic Belfast ready to push off in a unique event which will celebrate the enduring legacy of the hugely successful Giro d’Italia Big Start.
Depending on their ability – and energy levels –cyclists can choose to tackle either the 58 kilometres Strangford or the 177 kilometres Mourne Route. Either way the scenery will be stunning, but participants can also expect some tough going with the Gran Fondo challenge.
As they power past the finishing line, Menabrea will be quick with the congratulations, serving cyclists an authentic taste of Italy at a post-event gourmet pasta party hosted in the new Titanic Exhibition Centre, close to the Start/Finish line at Titanic Belfast.
Menabrea will also be the beer partner for a gala ball at Coppi in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter on Friday 3 June, raising funds to support Co-Operation Ireland, the official charity of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia NI.
Brian Beattie, Marketing Director for Tennent’s NI, distributers of the premium Italian birra, says, “Menabrea is the perfect partner for an event which combines three famous Italian passions: cycling, food and the great, ice cold beer that rounds off a fantastic day. Menabrea is all about appreciating life to the full, and that’s a sentiment, which will be familiar to the cyclists who take to the road for the 2016 Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland.
“The ride promises to be challenging, but our beautiful natural landscape will help distract participants from any thoughts of aching limbs or flagging energy. They’ll have the opportunity to ride alongside some great names from the sport of cycling and enjoy the craic with fellow enthusiasts, but I reckon that, by the time they get back to Titanic Quarter they’ll be more than ready to relax and finish off a memorable day with a cool glass of Menabrea and a plate of pasta!”
A beer with longstanding reputation for sociability and notable Italian heritage, Menabrea has, famously, been made by the same family since 1846 in Italy’s oldest brewery, located deep in an underground cave system in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Menabrea is aged for a month in cool darkened caves to acquire its signature taste – complex, malty and hoppy with citrus undertones.
Welcoming support from the legendary Italian beer, event organiser David Kalman, Shadetree Sports, said; “We’re delighted to have key sponsors such as Menabrea join us in helping to keep Northern Ireland’s Giro d’Italia legacy alive. We are thrilled that, this year, entries are up by 30% and we’re looking forward to welcoming cyclists from 17 countries around the world. We plan to give them a fabulous sporting experience and a taste of Northern Ireland that will show them what a fantastic location this is, at any time of the year, for cycling holidays.”
To find out more visit www.granfondogiroditaliani.com.
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