The Donnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s biggest independent franchised dealer, has been chosen as the official vehicle provider for the 2014 Giro d’Italia Big Start.

The prestigious Italian bike race begins in Belfast on May 9, with the Big Start comprising two stages in Northern Ireland before heading into the Republic of Ireland and finishing on 11th.

The group will supply Giro officials, including race directors, race inspectors, plus medical and technical support, with cars from the Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Vauxhall and Volkswagen ranges over the three days.

Donnelly Group marketing director Roisin Donnelly said: "It is an honour to be selected as the official vehicle provider for what I am sure will be one of the biggest and most successful international sporting events to ever come to Northern Ireland."

The race – one of the three Grand Tours in the cycling calendar, along with the Tour de France and Vuelta a España – ends in Trieste on June 1 after 21 stages.