Rimini, 15th May 2006. Motogiro d’Italia 2006 revival of classic Italian motorcycling starts on the 16th of May from Rimini. This year, five long legs of approximately 250 km each, will unwind through the harmonious hills and sea panoramas of central Italy, covering routes that in many points revisit the golden years of the original event (1953-1957). The itinerary begins with departure from Piazzale Fellini at 11 a.m. and the first leg crosses San Marino Republic, Urbino, Acqualagna, Cagli, Chiaravalle, Falconara Marittima and ends in Ancona where participants will be greeted with a welcome buffet offered by the Municipality of Ancona. On the 17th May, leaving from Ancona, the second leg unwinds along Filottrano, Cingoli, San Severino Marche, Camerino, Sarnano, Ripatransone, Offida, Appignano Del Tronto, and leads finally to Ascoli Piceno where participants will enjoy a welcome buffet offered by the famous Caffè Meletti. On the 18th May we move from Ascoli to Cortino, L’Aquila, Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia,Teramo, with another arrival in Ascoli Piceno. On the 19th May, the fourth leg conducts participants from Ascoli Piceno across to Spinetoli, Grottazzolina, Montappone, Mogliano, Corridonia, Recanati, Osimo (visit to the Umani Ronchi wine cellars), Ancona. The fifth and last Motogiro 2006 leg begins on the 20th May from Ancona and moves across Morro d’Alba, Ostra, Fano, Pesaro, Gabicce Monte, Gabicce Mare, Montefiore Conca and Coriano, with a final parade towards Rimini. In the evening, the event comes to a triumphant end with a prize giving dinner, made possible by the support of the Municipality of Rimini, during which the best rider in each leg will be awarded a prize and the overall winner will take home a Ducati Sport1000 from the SportClassic range. The Italian comic actor Paolo Cevoli is the evening’s guest of honour. The editions from 2001 to 2005 have seen a constant rise of interest and enthusiasm toward the Motogiro. From the 120 initial participants of the first edition numbers now reach 400 participants coming from all over the world. Every year, the champions of the 1950’s Motogiro have been guests of honour and the Peninsula the perfect stage for the most renowned Italian motorcycle manufactures: Ducati, Morini, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Bianchi, Gilera, Motobi. In 2006 we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Giuliano Maoggi’s victory in 1956. The Tuscan racer will take part in the Motogiro with Remo Venturi, who triumphed in the last edition in 1957, Emilio Mendogni, who won the 1955 edition and other riders and important Italian motorcyclists. The Motogiro d’Italia 2006 relies on the support of Ducati Motor the event’s main sponsor. The event is also made possible thanks to the support of: Marzocchi, Motociclismo d’Epoca, Iveco, Shell, Emilia Romagna Region, Province of Rimini, Municipality of Rimini, Municipality of Ancona, Umani Ronchi and Tucano Urbano. The event organizer Dream Engine is assisted by the Federazione Motociclistica Italiana, by the Italian Street Police and for the technical support by Motoclub Terni “L. Liberati”. Participants in the Touring Class will be accompanied by FMI Federal Safe Riding instructors from the Curve&Tornanti team. 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 are subject to timed, competitive ability tests en-route. Taglioni Memorial Class This class is open to street legal motorbikes of all marques, 250 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.