OVER 120 PARTICIPANTS FROM ITALY AND AROUND THE GLOBE RIDE IN THE MOTOGIRO D'ITALIA, THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLING CLASSIC HELD IN ITALY JUNE 5-10, 2001
Italian Alfio Sorgato Snags Vintage Class Victory on 1956 175cc.Morini
Bologna (IT) June 15th, 2001: More than 120 motorcyclists met in Italy to participate in the 2001 edition of the Motogiro d'Italia, the classic Italian timed road-race that began in 1914 and reached its heyday in the 1950's. Featuring both a Vintage Class and a Touring Class, the six-day itinerary covered more than 1,500 km. of northern and central Italy. Alfio Sorgato, an Italian from Padova, won the Vintage Class title astride his 175 cc. Morini S (1956).
With 70 competitors on vintage bikes (manufactured pre-1957 and divided into 125 cc and 175 cc classes), over 50 participants in the tourist class (bikes of any year), plus accompanying guests, road staff and other support and safety vehicles, the Motogiro counted more than 250 people. Forty percent of the participants were foreign, including many from Great Britain, Belgium, Holland, Spain and Switzerland, and others from as far away as Canada, the United States, Australia and South Africa.
The Vintage Racing Class was made up of a vivacious and experienced group of riders, along with some newcomers as well. Several Italian motorcycling greats joined the race, such as the two-time world champion Remo Venturi-who rode for MV, Morini, Bianchi and Benelli in his time-and Giuliano Maoggi, who won the 1956 Motogiro on a Ducati. Other marques in the vintage class include: Aermacchi, Alpino, Bartali, Bianchi, Capriolo, Ceccato, Gilera, Demm, Comet, Guzzi, Maserati, Mi-Val, Mondial, Morini, MV and Parilla.
A 50-year age difference separated the youngest rider, Italian Luca Quintilli, 23, from the energetic 73-year-old Luigi Beretta, who completed the entire 1,500 km race astride a Ducati 98cc Cucciolo. Another notable competitor was American Vicky Smith, from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She was the only female participant in the Vintage Class, riding a Motobi 125.
Departing from the Ducati factory headquarters in Bologna on June 5th, the first leg of the itinerary went from Bologna to Chioggia, passing through the historic piazza of Ferrara. On the 6th, the itinerary led from Chioggia to Rimini, crossing a unique floating bridge near Polesine. On the 7th, a loop route led riders from Rimini to San Sepolcro (Tuscany), through such sights as the ancient strongholds of the Malatesta family, the fortress of San Leo, the landscapes of the Valmarecchia and the 1,000 mt. Viamaggio Pass-the highest point on the day's itinerary. June 8th, from Rimini to Terni, was the most gruelling day of the tour, a true endurance test for the riders undertaking the 352 km on a vintage motorbike. It was on this day that the standing in the Vintage Class changed; Massimo D'Alessio-who had held the lead since Chioggia -surrendered his red, white and green "leader" jersey -to Alfio Sorgato, who would wear it through to the end. The next day's destination was Arezzo, with a winding route through valleys and Medieval towns and stopped briefly in several village centres where locals cheered on the participants. On the 10th of June, the final leg brought the entire entourage from Arezzo through the Mugello, across the Apennines and along the tricky Raticosa Pass back to Bologna.
To celebrate the arrival in Bologna, a gala dinner was held at the Castello di Panzano (Castelfranco Emilia), home to one of the Righini Collection, one of the most important private car and motorbike collections in the world. Attended by 400 people, the gala affair included the prize-giving ceremony that ended in a spectacular display of fireworks.
The grand prize was a Ducati Monster 600 decorated by Italian artist Maurizio Mazzi in a style reminiscent of the legendary 1950's Ducati Marianna. In the Vintage Class, second prize went to Emilio Tono on a 1956 Gilera X Rosso, the third prize went to Giancarlo Rossi on his 1957 Ducati F3. All three winners were in the 175 cc. category.
The Motogiro 2001 was organized and promoted by Dream Engine, a private entertainment company dedicated to all motor sports and the organization of motor-inspired events, including rallies and exhibitions in Italy and abroad. Dream Engine also promotes the rich heritage surrounding these sports by organizing exhibitions, lectures and design seminars.
Many thanks go to the event's main sponsor, Ducati Motor Holding, as well as the other sponsors: Shell, Marzocchi, Corriere dello Sport-Stadio, Bologna 2000, Bologna Turismo, Viaggi Salvadori 1929, Andrea Costa Automobili, ASP Chioggia. Special thanks goes to the Italian Motorcycling Federation (FMI) and the Moto Club Terni "L. Liberati." The event was also made possible through the support of the Town Councils of Arezzo, Bologna, Chioggia, Rimini and Terni.
To all motorcycling enthusiasts, Dream Engine looks forward to seeing you at the next Motogiro in 2002.
For press information and photographs please contact:
Kristin Schelter
tel. +44 207 544 6537
fax. +44 207 389-0755
email: kschelter@texpac.co.uk or info@motogiroditalia.com
