Co Antrim sunniest place in the UK on Saturday but chilly conditions at NW 200

In fact, Co Antrim was named as the sunniest place in the UK on Saturday – perfect timing for the popular event.

With an expected 100,000-plus people in attendance, the chief executive of the local council said the crowds were some of the “largest seen in years” in Portstewart.

But while the sun burned away throughout the day, the weather was windy and quite chilly for the riders and spectators.

Indeed motorbike star Glenn Irwin voiced his concerns over the windy conditions, saying that he “didn’t feel it was so safe”.

According to figures from the Met Office, the lowest maximum temperature reading for Northern Ireland on Saturday was the nearby Giant’s Causeway (9.9C).

But the 14.6 hours of sunshine recorded in Aldergrove, Co Antrim was the highest reading across the entirety of the UK on Saturday.

Six races took place on Saturday around the 8.97-mile Triangle circuit, which encompasses the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.

A sombre atmosphere descended on the North West 200 before the opening race as a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Czech rider Kamil Holan.

The 48-year-old tragically lost his life following an accident at Station Corner during Thursday’s Superbike qualifying session.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended Saturday’s action – alongside DUP leader Gavin Robinson – and she outlined how the NW 200 is a “real boost” to the economy.

She wrote on social media: “The sun is shining for the big North West 200 Saturday. Always an incredible event, and always an honour to get to come and support.

“It not only showcases the sport, but also our incredible north coast. It is a real boost to our Northern Ireland plc brand, but also our economy.

“Well done to all who work so hard on this, Mervyn and the team, and indeed to the many hundreds of incredible volunteers that ensure this event can happen.

“Thinking too today of the family and friends of Kamil Holan, and all those who were at the scene of this tragic accident.”