From a press release issued by Ducati North america:

CENTOPASSI —THE EXTREME MOTORCYCLING EVENT —RETURNS THIS SUMMER FROM JULY 21- 25, 2004. BROUGHT TO YOU BY DUCATI AND DREAM ENGINE, REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.

Participants can test their riding skills and endurance on the demanding mountain roads of Italy and France. Organized by Dream Engine, Ducati Motor is the main sponsor of the event for the second consecutive year.

Bologna, April 2004. Following the success of the 2003 edition, Dream Engine and Ducati are excited to announce the second edition of CENTOPASSI –the extreme two wheeled adventure tailored for passionate motorcyclists who want to test their driving skills, push their endurance on some of the most demanding roads and mountain passes, and have a great time.

While last year’s route ran long and wide through the eastern alpine region of Italy, this summer’s itinerary runs along the opposite side—swerving over the western border of Italy, in and out of France. The itinerary sweeps through exquisite alpine locations along enjoyable roads. The 5-day event will depart from Côte d’Azur (France) on the 21st of July, and the route will take participants through the towns of Sospe (FR), Limone Piemonte (IT), Barcelonette (FR), Cesana Torinese (Piedmonte, IT), Albertville (FR), l’Alpe d’Huez (FR), and Morgex (Vallle d’Aosta, IT), finishing in the Italian town of Saint Vincent (Vallle d’Aosta, IT) on the 25th July.



The 2004 CENTOPASSI has been designed to challenge riders even more than the 2003 edition. Each leg has been carefully studied to render the route more captivating and entertaining than ever. As in 2003, the event is open to motorbikes of all brands and all years and the participation categories – Competition and Iron Biker – are characterized as follows:

Competition Class Participants may choose to take part individually or as part of a team of 5 riders. They will ride an estimated 300/400 kilometres per day, covering numerous mountain passes. Although CENTOPASSI is not a test of speed, participants are requested to ride a very demanding route, designed for experienced riders. Each day, riders in this class will be subjected to ability tests to evaluate their riding skills and motorcycle performance.

Iron Biker Class
This class is for those riders who prefer a non-competitive experience, taking in the stunning scenery, historic villages and overall flavour of the Italian and French mountain experience. Expert motorcycle guides from the Curve&Tornanti Team will accompany this group, offering tips on mountain riding.

The limit of participants for the Competition Class is fixed at 140 riders, whilst there is no number limit for the Iron Biker Class.

Again this year, the motorcyclist who proves to be the best overall rider in the Competition Class will be awarded a Ducati Multistrada during the prize giving ceremony held on the last night of the event.

Ducati Motor for the second consecutive year is the main sponsor of CENTOPASSI. The Multistrada Challenge celebrates the versatility of the company’s recently launched best selling bike, the Multistrada—a bike designed by the Bologna based motorbike manufacturer to confront every possible road condition, from tortuous mountain curves, to highspeed highways and traffic filled urban centers.

Superga, the specialist sports shoes and clothing company, has recently confirmed that it will be technical sponsor, providing clothing for staff and participants and in doing so linking itself to the excitement and challenging spirit of the event. Centopassi is also made possible by the support of APT Servizi – Emilia Romagna Tourist Board.