World famous cyclist Andrei Burton in Carnlough Harbour

IN just over a week, the Giro d’Italia will arrive in Belfast for the ‘Grande Partenza’.

And the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has enlisted the help of world renowned professional mountain bike trials athlete, Andrei Burton, to showcase the stunning scenery and landmarks of the Giro route by embarking on an amazing Big Start Road Trip.

Andrei, who has been riding since the age of 13, is one of the most successful mountain bike athletes in the UK and has been the highest placed UK rider in the UCI World rankings for several years and in the top 10 in the world for the past 6 years.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) PR Officer Marie-Therese O’Neill said: “Andrei is a huge name in the cycling world and we are delighted that he could come to Northern Ireland to experience the route and perform some of his breath-taking tricks and stunts at some of our famous landmarks.

“The dare-devil tricks which saw Andrei jump to amazing heights and across long distances will astound viewers!

“This video helps to demonstrate what an exciting place Northern Ireland is to be right now and we hope that viewers will enjoy and share with their friends,” Marie-Therese added.

The Big Start Road Trip video shows Andrei travelling to various well known landmarks around Northern Ireland and viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch Andrei hop along the stones of the Giants Causeway, perform wheelies across the Carrick – a –Rede Rope Bridge and balance on the famous Titanic sign at Titanic Belfast, to name a few.

To watch the video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7f7Hk1mf54

The Big Start Road Trip kicks off three days of excitement and drama on May 9, 10 and 11 with the time trials at Titanic Belfast, through the magnificent Causeway Coastal Route and the historic city of Armagh.

Visit the Giro hub at www.discovernnorthernireland.com/GiroHub where you can read the latest news, social updates and event information or for more information on the Giro d’Italia in Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/Giro2014.

This event is supported by NITB and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.