Giro d'Italia: Third stage begins in Armagh before finishing in Dublin
Marcel Kittel won the second stage of the Giro d'Italia on Saturday
The third and final stage of the Giro d'Italia in Northern Ireland has begun in Armagh on Sunday.
Around 200 cyclists set off from the city at the start of the 187km route.
They pass through a number of towns and villages in County Armagh before racing across the border to the stage three finishing line in Dublin.
German rider Marcel Kittel won stage two on Saturday which took in some of NI's most scenic routes in a thrilling sprint finish, with a time of 5:13:12.
The two cathedrals in Armagh altered the times of some of their morning services to accommodate the start of the race.
Northern Ireland's Enterprise Arlene Foster was in Armagh to start the final stage of the race.
"Once again Northern Ireland has proved that, in rain or shine, we can host top-class major events," she said.
"Not only did the Giro d'Italia capture the imagination of people living here, as the pink theme was embraced and spectators turned out to cheer on the competitors, but Northern Ireland has impressed the many visitors who have travelled from far afield.
"Bringing the world's second biggest cycling race to Northern Ireland was about proving on the international stage that we can deliver when it comes to staging major events. It was, of course, also about showcasing our tourism product to the world. We have achieved both of those objectives and much more."
She said hosting the event had "lifted Northern Ireland to a new level".
"We have already announced that the Irish Open is returning in 2015 and 2017, and I have every confidence that more major events will follow in the years ahead," she added.
Rain fails to dampen Northern Ireland's Giro d'Italia spirits
Tens of thousands of spectators have turned out over the three days of racing.
Many roads along the route during the three days have been closed at various times and motorists are warned to expect more disruption on Sunday.
Full details of road closures can be found at trafficwatchni.com/giro.
On Friday, the Giro d'Italia's opening stage was held in Belfast.
On Saturday, the riders travelled through Antrim, Ballymena and Bushmills, before returning to Belfast via Larne and Carrickfergus.
Northern Ireland is hosting the initial stages of the race over three days, as 22 teams begin their attempt to win the prestigious title.
Irish cyclist Dan Martin was ruled out of the Giro after suffering a suspected broken collarbone in a fall.
The Giro d'Italia is the biggest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland, with competitors from more than 30 countries taking part.
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