From a press release issued by AGV:

AGV CROWNS WORLD CHAMPION WITH 24K GOLD HELMET

Gold, Diamonds and Platinum AGV Helmet Honors World Motorcycle Racing Legend Valentino Rossi

NEWPORT BEACH, Ca., January 6, 2003 – AGV USA reported today that during the annual “Golden Helmet” ceremony in Bologna , Italy, AGV Helmets awarded Valentino Rossi, current World MotoGP Champion and recent 125cc, 250cc and 500cc World Champion, with the company’s new, state-of-the-art “Ti-Tech” helmet which had been specially designed for the conquering leader in 24K gold, diamonds and platinum.

The “Ti-Tech” masterpiece appointed for Rossi was one hundred percent handmade in 24K gold (1.5 millimeters of thickness throughout the shape) with the front and rear air extractors in one hundred percent platinum, with the AGV logo set in diamonds and a very special stone called “agata.” Along with AGV helmet stylists, Italian goldsmith masters Selene Gioelli assisted in developing the three-dimensional project and dedicated more than three hundred and fifty manufacturing hours to reproduce the helmet shape as a single crown of jewelry. While no official estimates have been issued, initial estimates value the trophy helmet at approximately $150,000 and the helmet has been secured in a vault off-site for safekeeping.

Last season Valentino Rossi, won the inaugural World MotoGP championship, after having won last year’s 500cc World Championship. Rossi also has World titles in the 125cc and 250cc classes, becoming only the second rider in the history of World Championship racing to capture all three titles. “This is an amazing, world-class motorcycle racing — and athletic — accomplishment captured only by great champions,” stated AGV Helmets MKT officers, “and AGV wanted to recognize his brilliant career in a distinctive manner at the Golden Helmet Awards.”

“I am speechless in appreciation of such a fantastic gift,” stated Valentino Rossi, during the presentation, “the only thing to say is ‘unbelievable’ and thanks to AGV for this amazing helmet in recognition of my achievements.” Over the course of Rossi’s racing career, his personally designed AGV helmet graphics have become one of his distinctive signatures and AGV commissioned designers to inspire and complement the champion for this award.

“Rossi’s natural skill and flair has already made him a huge fans’ favorite,” stated AGV Helmets MKT officers, “and our helmet stylists are masters of design that focused on creating a golden crown befitting the champion.”

In 2003, Valentino Rossi will wear the new “Ti-Tech” helmet constructed with titanium and a superlight shell construction. Rossi is working with AGV designers on creating his 2003 helmet graphics and AGV will be releasing the Ti-tech and Rossi graphics in April 2003.

Established in 1954, AGV helmets is one of the leading manufacturers of top safety standard and comfortable helmets with leading modern designs and graphics. The style department of AGV Helmets is constantly creating new designs, graphics and colors to satisfy sponsored racers and the needs of AGV customers worldwide. Whether on a high-speed circuit, daily traffic, or cruising the boulevard or the off-highway trails, AGV Helmets is committed to consistently produce a hallmark of quality. www.agv.com

AGV Helmets are distributed throughout the United States by Parts Unlimited, the world’s leading distributor of parts and accessories for recreational motorsports. The Parts Unlimited world headquarters and largest warehouse is located in Janesville, Wisconsin with fully stocked warehouses nationwide. www.parts-unlimited.com