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Bikers stream off the ferries, among the tens of thousands heading for the North West 200

The hugely anticipated event, which began on Wednesday with practice and continues until Saturday, attracts more than 100,000 spectators

Motorbikes arrive  for the iconic North West 200 from the Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast ferry on Thursday.
PIC COLM LENAGHAN
Motorbikes arrive for the North West 200, off the Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast ferry on Thursday. PIC COLM LENAGHAN

Bikers streamed off a ferry in Belfast on Thursday, among the tens of thousands heading for a famous road racing triangle, home of the North West 200.

Motorbikes arrive  for the iconic North West 200 from the Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast ferry on Thursday.
PIC COLM LENAGHAN
A convoy or motorbikes stream off the ferry in Belfast PIC:: COLM LENAGHAN

It is expected that more than 100,000 are expected to attend the event, which began in Wednesday with practice runs and continues with races on Thursday evening and all day Saturday.

Ardent bike fans from across Britain and Europe are expected to watch some of the top road riders in the world, with much expected of the local favourites Michael Dunlop and Glenn Irwin.



The North West 200, an international road race, takes place every year in May on closed public roads between the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush.

Motorbikes arrive  for the iconic North West 200 from the Stena Line Cairnryan to Belfast ferry on Thursday.
PIC COLM LENAGHAN
In Belfast but heading for the north west 'triangle' PIC COLM LENAGHAN

The 8.9 mile circuit is triangular in shape with racers able to lap in around four minutes. There are zig-zag country lanes, straight runs and seaside roads as part of the circuit.

There are nine races in total, with roads closed between 4.45pm and 9pm on Thursday, then from 9am to 7pm on Saturday.