As the Grande Partenza approaches, the sense of anticipation is palpable in the Northern Irish capital, which has truly embraced the Corsa Rosa. Belfast has taken the pink colour of the race leader’s Maglia Rosa to heart. By night, the City Hall has been lit up pink. So too has the illuminated halo of the brise soleil  around the race headquarters in the vast, circular Belfast Waterfront building. 
 
The preparations continued this morning with the publication of the official start list, which confirms the identities of the 198 riders of this year’s peloton, which consists of 22 teams of 9 riders.
 

The build-up continues this evening with the opening ceremony and team presentation at Belfast City Hall in Donnegall Square, from 1800-2000 local time.