From a press release issued by Dream Engine:

MOTOGIRO D’ITALIA 2003 IS READY TO RIDE IN JULY 1-5 2003

The Motogiro d’Italia, Italy’s oldest competitive motorbike tour, returns this summer from July 1-5, 2003. Recreating the passion and excitement of Italy’s Golden Years of motorcycling, the five-day event explores the alpine regions of northern Italy, including Cortina d’Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio. Ducati is the main sponsor for the third consecutive year.

December 19, 2002: Dream Engine srl is excited to announce the 2003 edition of the Motogiro d’Italia, Italy’s oldest long-distance motorbike competition. From July 1 – 5, the 2003 edition will follow many of the same roads used by participants in the 1950’s version of the races. Starting and ending in Bologna, the itinerary will explore northern Italy’s twisting turns and mountain passes. The five-day race covers an average daily distance of 250 km and will include stops in the alpine retreats of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio, as well as the charming areas of Lake Garda and Verona.

Originally started in 1914, the Motogiro d’Italia quickly became the ultimate showcase for Italian motorbike manufacturers and by the 1950’s, it had become the emblem for the Golden Years of Italian motorcycling. Ducati, Morini, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, MV Agusta, Bianchi and Gilera all competed for glory on the open roads of the Italian countryside. Since its international re-launch in 2001, the Motogiro d’Italia has become a must for vintage motorcycle fans, witnessing the return of various Italian motorcycling legends—including Giuliano Maoggi, Remo Venturi and Leopaldo Tartarini—and even a Formula One Champion.

As in last year’s event, the Motogiro will be divided into the following three categories: Vintage Racing Class, Touring Class and Taglioni Memorial Class.

With a maximum of 120 participants, the Vintage Racing Class is open to bikes from the Motogiro’s Golden Years. Bikes in this class must be manufactured before 1957 (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for bikes manufactured after this date but inspired by original editions). Engines can be a maximum of 175cc. Participants in this class will be subject to timed ability trials and the winner will take home a special edition “Motogiro 2003” Ducati motorbike.

The Taglioni Memorial Class was created in 2002 in honour of the late Fabio Taglioni – “Doctor T” – the engineer who helped to create the Ducati legacy. The Taglioni Memorial Class is open to bikes of all marque manufactured between 1968 and 1978—the years in which Taglioni created his legendary two cylinder engines, such as the 750 SS which powered Paul Smart to victory in the 200 Miles of Imola in 1972.

The Touring Class follows the same itinerary as the above two classes and is open to all modern bikes (any marque and any cc). This class is ideal for those who wish to live the excitement of the Motogiro in a relaxed and non-competitive manner.

Dream Engine, the Bologna-based events and entertainment company, re-launched the Motogiro in 2001 and has produced the event for the last three years. Since the 2001 edition, the Motogiro has attracted riders from all five continents. The 2002 edition confirmed the success story and had double the number of competitor—250 in all.

Ducati Motor will be the main sponsor for the 2003 event, marking the company’s third consecutive year as main sponsor. Other sponsors include Motociclismo d’Epoca, Corriere dello Sport-Stadio, Shell, Marzocchi, and Vertours. Dream Engine produces and manages the event with technical support provided by the Terni Motorclub “L.Liberati” and additional assistance provided by the Italian Motorcycle Federation.

Numerous fans have already registered for the Motogiro and a total of 350 are expected in July. Participants are expected to attend from around the world, including: UK, Germany, France, Holland, Sweden, USA, Australia, South Africa, Japan and Italy. Over 40% of registered participants are foreign.

Don’t miss the opportunity to live the legend. Dream Engine and Ducati look forward to seeing you on the road!

For general information on the Motogiro d’Italia 2003, visit our website at www.motogiroditalia.com or contact us at:

Dream Engine
Via Saffi 4
40131 Bologna
Italia
tel. +39 051 6494472
fax +39 051 528 6378
email: [email protected]