Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128382
Mot:ogiro D'It:alia 2005 Once again following historic race routes, this year's re-evocation of Italy's oldest long-distance motorcycle race, now in its fifth year, was another great success. Ducati Motor was once again the main sponsor of the event. It was a historic revival, a genuine road race, and above all a great festival of motorcycling that ended in Cattolica on May 28. We are talking, of course, about the 2005 Motogiro d'italia, Italy's classic five-day road race. The race took place from May 24 to 28 and traveled over some of the most beautiful roads in central Italy, bringing back to life the legendary motorcycling event trials that, between 1914 and 1957, wrote some of the most unforgettable chapters in the history of international motorcycle racing. Over 400 motorcyclists took part, not only from Italy but from 13 nations: the United Kingdom (55 entries), Germany (3 entries), France (10 entries), Ireland (2 entries), Switzerland (20 entries), Holland (21 entries), Belgium (3 entries), Spain (5 entries), the United States (30 entries), Canada (8 entries), Aus- ~ tralia (2 entries), South Africa (4 6 entries) and Japan (4 entries). Com- ~ petitors covered a total of nearly ~ 1200 kilometers (744 miles). The fi: event's incredible success was confirmed by the fact that so few g entries withdrew (only 35 bikes fail-!j1 a. ing to cross the finishing line in Gradara) and by the warm and enthusiastic welcome given to riders by the public, who packed the start and finish lines of every leg to wave competitors off and welcome them home. This year's formula was slightly different from that of the previous editions. Rather than follow a straight-line course, the route for the 2005 race resembled a virtual "daisy," made up of fascinating, spectacular loops covering some of the most picturesque roads in Italy. The race started from Cattolica, finishing at the nearby Gradara castle after five days of intense and extremely competitive racing. This year's race was made up of five daily legs, all along routes followed by the original Motogiro d'italia from 1953 to 1957. Starting from Piazzale I Maggio in Cattolica, the first day's racing (142 miles) took riders through Morciano, Pennabilli, Sogliano al Rubicone, Gambettola, Santarcangelo, Coriano and back to Cattolica. The start was animated by the presence of two new Ducati Sport Classics, the brand-new machines that Borgo Panigale is about to launch on the international market. The bikes are characterized by I970s styling but packed with the latest technology. Two "pre-series" machines, a Paul Smart 1000 and a Sport 1000 - ridden by Federico Minoli, chairman and managing director of Ducati Motor Holding, and Gianluigi Mengoli, chairman of Ducati Foundation, respectively - set the pace for the first leg. 8 To cast your vote, log on to www.cyclenews.com. WEb INSiYE Cyclenews,com reader poll question of the week Do you plan on purchasing a new motorcycle this summer? A. Yes, a new motocross bike B. Yes, a new off-road bike C. Yes, a new dual-purpose bike D. Yes, a new sportbike E. Yes, a new standard/traditional F. Yes, a new touring bike G. Yes, a new cruiser H. No, I don't have plans to purchase a new bike anytime soon Both the general public and the media demonstrated tremendous interest in the two new bikes, which Ducati fans the world over have been eagerly awaiting and which are due to hit the official dealer network in October this year. The second leg (I 13 miles) took the riders to Perugia, through Citta di Castello and past the Magione circuit. From Perugia, the third day's racing, and the longest of the individual legs (184 miles), passed through Assisi, Spello, Terni, Collescipoli and Todi before finally returning to Perugia. The fourth leg (165 miles) took the caravan of bikes to Tuscany, as far as Castiglion Fiorentino before turning them back to Acqualagna and San Giovanni in Marignano, finishing the day back in Piazzale I Maggio in Cattolica. It was therefore once more from Cattolica that the fifth and decisive leg (133 miles) set off, routing riders through Fano, Mondavio, Jesi and Pesaro before crossing the finish line at Gradara castle. Entrants were divided into three classes: The Historical Re-Evocation class was reserved for motorcycles manufactured before 1957, the Taglioni Memorial class was dedicated to bikes made between 1968 and 1978, and the Tourist class encompassed all modern machines in a single, noncompetitive category. Overall victory in the Historical Re-Evocation class of the Motogiro d'italia, gained only after a series of exciting position switches at the top of the table, went to Enzo Coppolecchia on a Moto Morini I75cc. The lucky winner walked away with a special Motogiro 2005 version of the Ducati 900SS as first prize. Overall second was Tullio Passerini on a Gilera I75cc, followed by third overall Paolo Mattioli on another Moto Morini 175cc. The Taglioni Memorial class was dominated right from the first leg by Dutchman Math Koevoet (on a BMW 900), who beat Frenchman Pierre Hertrich (Norton 750) and fellow Dutchman Lucas Schols (Moto Guzzi 750) in second and third place, respectively. The competition included a total of 15 special tests, including timed regularity and gymkhana trials, held against the backdrop of the wonderfully attractive squares in the towns visited by this exciting event. Past champions had the opportunity to challenge the participants over a route that pushed both men and machines to the limit. The public was able to admire a plethora of motorcycles, such as Ducatis, Moto Morinis, MV Agustas, Moto Guzzis, Benellis, Bianchis, Gileras, Rumis and Motobis. The presence of riders of the caliber of Maoggi, winner of the Motogiro in 1956, and Venturi, who took the trophy at the last edition of the original event in 1957, also made a major contribution to the success and prestige of this year's running. Emilio Mendogni, the overall winner exactly 50 years ago in the legendary 1955 race, also graced the final prize-giving ceremony and dinner with his presence. ,. Online poll results from last week Which of the follOWing best describes your feelings regarding the performance of Team Suzuki Flat Track riders Jake Johnson and Kevin Varnes, who are currently fourth and fifth, respectively, in the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship Series standings? A. It's good to see the Suzukis doing well. The more brands, the better the racing. 2399 (96.62%) B. Dirt track is Harley-Davidson's show and should remain exclusively. 84 (3.38%) 50 Total Replies: 2483 CYCLE NEWS • JUNE 15,2005 85