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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

North West 200: Hundreds of bikers sail into Belfast ahead of opening races at Triangle circuit

Belfast Docks was a wall of noise on Thursday as hundreds of bikers arrived in Northern Ireland for this week's North West 200.

Over 200 motorbikes carrying riders and pillion passengers sailed on the Stena Line service from Cairnryan ahead of Thursday's opening races.

Thousands of spectators will flock to the North Coast this week to watch the international road race event.

Read more: North West 200 LIVE updates from Thursday's opening races

This is the first North West 200 since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and fans are ready to make up for lost time by watching some of the quickest riders fly round the 8.9-mile course.

Stena Line will transport 4,237 bikes across the week on its Cairnryan to Belfast and Liverpool to Belfast routes with motorcycle enthusiasts being more eager than ever to visit the world-renowned event after they were forced to take a break due to the pandemic.

Simon Palmer, PR & Communications Manager (Irish Sea and North Sea), at Stena Line commented: “The North West 200 is one of the biggest outdoor events in NI and we are delighted to see the event back again after a two year absence, and help transport so many bikers and visitors to enjoy such an exciting trip.

"When travelling with Stena Line, they can look forward to a relaxed experience in comfortable surroundings which is the ideal way to start the thrilling weekend ahead.”

Home favourite Glenn Irwin secured pole position in both the Superbike and Superstock classes, while record race winner Alastair Seeley will start on pole for the Supersports.

There are three races on Thursday evening, with a further five on Saturday.

Belfast Live was at Belfast Docks on Thursday to capture all the bikers arriving - check out our Facebook Live (see above).

Read more: Jonathan Rea forced to 'park' North West 200 ride out after incredible response

Read more: North West 200: Glenn Irwin to the 'four', but now he wants five and six

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