From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

COUNTING DOWN TO WORLD DUCATI WEEK 2004

The events program for WDW 2004 nearly ready.

At its base in Borgo Panigale near Bologna, Ducati is busy putting the finishing touches on the program for the fourth world meeting of Ducati riders and enthusiasts. One thing, however, is certain already. The packed and varied events list is going to make these 7 days an absolutely unforgettable week for everybody who shares Ducati’s passion for motorcycling. Numbers are rocketing, with registrations pouring in from all over the world. It looks as if Ducati fans are responding in mass, determined to book pole position for what looks like a week to remember. And don’t forget that this year the meeting is open to all motorcyclists, whether they ride Ducatis or other brands. So everybody who is passionate about riding, whether they own a Ducati or not, can enjoy this great festival of motorcycling.

WDW2004 takes place from the 17th to the 23rd of May at the Santa Monica circuit in Misano Adriatico. This year’s event is completely new and for the first time in its history will include an entire week of track events from Monday right up to Sunday. In many ways, this year’s edition centres on track events thanks to the unique and unrepeatable opportunity of having the world famous Santa Monica circuit at our disposal every day of the week.

You will be thrilled by a whole series of special track events, including demonstration rides by Ducati’s official riders Troy Bayliss and Loris Capirossi, incredible motorcycle acrobatics from rider and stuntman Christian Pfeiffer, plus dragster exhibitions.

What is more, this year for the first time 3.4 kilometres of the track is being set aside (from Tuesday to Sunday) for testing Ducati’s latest models, from the legendary 999 to the breathtaking Multistrada and 749. All makes of bike, not only Ducatis, will be allowed on the track. The paddock itself will house a technical area, where participants will have the chance to get their bikes tuned to perfection by real experts. Engine and frame maintenance courses will be organized for women interested in improving their technical knowledge.

On the opening day (Monday, 17th May) the circuit will host the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE). DRE is the Ducati organised riding course that places all the experience and professionalism of the world’s top instructors at your disposal to perfect your riding techniques in maximum safety. In addition, if you purchase a full week pass before the 18th of April (whether you are a Ducati owner or not), you will be entered in a drawing to win an exclusive dinner in the company of all of Ducati Corse’s official riders. The legendary Loris Capirossi, Troy Bayliss, Regis Laconi and James Toseland have promised to give the lucky winners a truly memorable evening. And whoever succeeds in the auction organised by humanitarian organisation Riders for Health also wins the once in a lifetime chance to ride a few circuits on the two-seat version of the super-fast Ducati Desmosedici as passenger of Randy Mamola. But even if you are not one of these lucky winners, don’t despair, because you’re certain to bump into great ex-champions like Marco Lucchinelli or Giancarlo Falappa or one of today’s legends, Troy Bayliss, Loris Capirossi, James Toseland or Regis Laconi, strolling around the circuit and they will all be happy to oblige with an autograph. But above all else WDW2004 will be a time for fun and entertainment!

Fitness oriented riders will find a gym area fitted out with the latest Technogym equipment, and a beach area dedicated to beach games, beach soccer and beach volley. And there will be an authentic Mexican style chiringuito where you can relax to great music and savour a range of colourful cocktails.

The week will also have its own relaxation area where you can chill out and listen to music, or de-stress under the expert hands of Incorporesano’s professional masseurs.

And this year again of course, there will be plenty of tours through some of the most beautiful riding country of Emilia Romagna, organised in conjunction with the “Curve e Tornanti” motorcycling guide. You can choose from three types of tour, designed to match the needs of everybody who wants to discover the exceptional beauty of this region of Italy. The DAY TOURS are full days out, riding through some of the most classic of all Apennine motorcycling routes. The HAPPY AFTERNOON TOURS are lazier rides to one of the many small towns in the Romagna Apennines, stopping for an aperitif or some great local food. Finally, if your aim is to perfect your road riding, you can opt for one of the SAFE ROAD RIDING TOURS that start with a theory lesson at the Curve & Tornanti stand at the Misano circuit and conclude with a practice ride on twisting Apennine roads.

More technically oriented participants at WDW2004 will be able to listen to the experts of DUCATI UNIVERSITY expounding the latest theories of design and mechanics, with specific reference to the technical and tactical aspects involved in winning the world motorcycle championship. This is just the place to pick up hints on how to design the world’s most beautiful bikes and to listen to Ducati’s team riders confess their own little secrets on how to make the most of the Misano circuit.

And that’s not all! Another area (the biggest single area in WDW2004) will be geared up to welcome over 2000 official club members from all over the world to take part in a whole range of music, food and exhibition events. The wildest, craziest riders in the world will be “on show” here to guarantee entertainment for all!

On Friday, the 21st of May, Ducati riders from all over Italy will meet up in Rome, Piacenza and Bologna to ride together, two by two, to Misano in the “Big Red Snake”, a massive red line winding its way to the Santa Monica circuit. The idea for the “Big Red Snake” dates back to 1998 and the Desmodromiclub of Rome. By 2002 the “Snake” had already grown to a length of 190 motorcyclists! While all this is happening a Mangusta helicopter, the latest helicopter deployed by the Italian armed forces will hover in the skies above the circuit. A team of parachutists will then drop from an incredible height and land with pinpoint precision right in the middle of the circuit. To register your own participation and to obtain the latest, most complete events programme, visit the WDW2004 website at www.wdw2004.com . Every evening, the STAGE will host shows and concerts to keep all WDW2004 participants happily entertained.