From the 20th to the 24th May 2007 the Motogiro d'Italia, point of reference for those passionate about vintage motorcycles, will leave central Italy, host of the last two editions, and head boldly South for five days in Sicilian territory.For the seventh consecutive time, the event is organized by Dream Engine and is supported by the main sponsor Ducati Motor that, since 2001, has chosen to associate its name to an event that brings back the glorious years of Italian motorcycling.
Hundreds of bikes, old and new, the most important foreign and Italian collectors, numerous enthusiasts who will contribute to recreating the atmosphere, the style and the spirit of the original race, whilst also being able to enjoy Sicily, its territory and its products. Once more in 2007, to keep alive the bond with history, the champions of the 1950's Maoggi and Venturi will be guests of honour and it will be possibile to watch a parade of the best of Italian motorcycle production: Ducati, Morini, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Bianchi, Piaggio, Gilera, Motobi.
The previous editions, from 2001 to 2006 have seen a constant rise of interest and enthusiasm towards the Motogiro, from the 120 initial participants (Italians and foreigners) numbers have almost tripled. The Motogiro 2007 will maintain unvaried the formula that has decreed the event a success, starting and ending at Sciacca (Agrigento) acclaimed thermal location known since ancient times for its gentle climate and the healing properties of its waters rich with minerals. The route will articulate itself in 5 legs of approximately 250 km each, that will push East, until the slopes of the Etna. Currently the itinerary (which is still subject to variations) is the following:
19 May 2007: Preliminary operations at Sciacca.
20 May 2007, leg 1: Sciacca-Chiusa Sclafani-Selinunte-Sciacca
21 May 2007, leg 2: Sciacca-Piazza Armerina-Brucoli
22 May 2007, leg 3: Brucoli-Noto-Ragusa Ibla-Brucoli
23 May 2007, leg 4: Brucoli-Zafferana-Catania-Brucoli
24 May 2007, leg 5: Brucoli-Caltagirone-Agrigento-Sciacca.
The route is studied so as to prize the peculiar characteristics of the vintage motorcycles, with legs as "daisy petals" - that is departure and arrival from the same city - of adequate length and type. A lot of attention is also put into the choice of unique routes with plenty of sceneries and tourist locations of particular interest in the coast and inland, that gratify also the participants in the Tourist Class. Numerous rest points are assigned along the route, thanks to the collaboration of local agencies and motoclubs. At the end of each leg, participants are welcomed at the Motogiro Village set up in the city of arrival. For the prize giving dinner, participants will be guests of the `Presidenza della Regione Siciliana' during which the overall winner of the Vintage Class will be awarded a special Motogiro 2007 Ducati.
The Motogiro d'Italia 2007 relies on the support of Ducati Motor the event's main sponsor. The event is also made possible thanks to the support of: Presidenza Regione Siciliana, Motociclismo d'Epoca, Assessorato Regionale al Turismo Regione Siciliana, Provincia di Siracusa, Comune di Sciacca, Comune di Augusta. For the organization of the event, under the aegis of the Federazione Motociclistica Italiana, Dream Engine relies on the support of the Motoclub Terni "L. Liberati" and the Auto Moto Club Viterbo. Participants in the Tourist Class are accompanied by the Curve&Tornanti; team made up of Federal FMI `safe riding' instructors.
The Motogiro is open to motorcycles authorized for road use of all marques and is divided into three classes:
Vintage Racing Class
With an overall limit of 120 participants, this class features motorbikes of up to 175cc manufactured prior to 1957 inspired on the motorcycles that raced in the original Motogiro. Competitors in the Vintage Racing Class ware subject to timed, competitive ability tests en-route.
Taglioni Memorial Class
This class is open to street legal motorbikes of all marques, 350 cc or higher, produced between 1968 and 1978, period which highlights the decade where the Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni created his legendary 2 cylinder motorbikes. Competitors in this class take part in ability trials and the winner will take home a special prize. Touring Class
For riders of newer bikes, who wish to participate in the excitement of the Motogiro on a more relaxed, non-competitive basis. The touring class is open to motorbikes of all marques.
For general information and registration on the Motogiro d'Italia 2007:
Dream Engine
Via San Mamolo 155 -40136 Bologna
tel. +39 051 6440881 -fax +39 051 3394319
www.motogiroditalia.com - info@motogiroditalia.com