World Ducati Week concludes in Misano

It may be the throaty sound of the desmodromic-valved v-twin engines, or it could be the design – but it’s got a look so unique and unmistakable, it never fails to turn heads – motorcycle lover or not. 

Style never goes out of fashion on a Ducati and its design is one of the key driving forces behind the brand’s stunning success. Indeed, Ducati’s characterising elements – inspiring design, attention to detail, performance, outstanding engines and pure riding enjoyment ensure there’s no dearth of fans worldwide. These are not just regular fans, they are passionate about Ducatis and they are called the Ducatisti. 

So, when the Italian motorcycle maker organizes the World Ducati Week, it’s an event which is labelled ‘unmissable for Ducatisti and unbeatable for all motorcyclists’. The eighth edition of the World Ducati Week concluded at the Misano World Circuit in Italy on July 20.

As many as 65,000 motorcycle fans from around the world participated in the three-day event which had many unique events with non-stop music and enjoyment. Ducati owners participated in contests – showcasing their customised rides in the Ducati Garage Contest and others proudly displaying their classic Ducatis in the Ducati Heritage Contest. The Superbike Celebration gave an opportunity for fans to meet champions like Troy Bayliss, Carlos Checa, Pierfrancesco Chili, Giancarlo Falappa, Carl Fogerty and others.

Participants also had the opportunity to attend classes at the Ducati University to listen to engineers, riders and experts of the headquarters in Borgo Panigale on various topics. Ducati mechanics were also available for technical help, to carry out servicing, or to install new accessories which could be bought directly at Misano. The 2015 Ducati Scrambler was up for display as well months before the official launch, although in a ‘secret room’.

On the track, the Diavel Drag Race saw world-class riders battle it out on Diavel Carbon bikes including the likes of Dovizioso, Crutchlow, Giugliano, Davies, Pirro, Iannone, Hernandez, Fogarty and many more. The drag race was followed by a BBQ party along the pitlane, with local beach club owners becoming chefs for the night. Then there was the spectacular stunt show by well-known stunt riders like Emilio Zamorra, Didi Bizzarro, Michael Threin and Victor Chelenkov.

For riders, there was a chance to ride their bikes at the Misano circuit and watch the great Ducati champions participate in a Ducati riders’ lap of honour that brought past and present riders together in one unique moment. For those who were up for a taste of high speed on the track, the winners of some of the contests taking place in the paddock had a chance to be a passenger around the Misano track with three-time superbike world champion Troy Bayliss.

The fun and celebrations were not only limited to the Misano track and the party extended all along the Adriatic Riviera – to the centre of Riccione, through Cattolica and all the way to San Marino. And in Borgo Panigale, for the entire duration of the WDW, the Ducati factory and museum were opened to fans for guided tours without the need for any advance booking. All in all, three days of Ducati passion and pure red fun!