Milan, capital of two wheels: the EICMA returns

For four days and for the 69th time Milan becomes the world capital of motorbikes. From 10 to 13 November, the city of Milan hosts EICMA 2011, the international motorcycle show. This is a special edition that coincides with the 90th anniversary of Moto Guzzi and with yet another increase in the number of exhibitors (the 1.100 mark has been exceeded).

But this new event can only be marked by the recent death of Claudio Castiglioni, the inventor of the Cagiva motorbikes, and Marco Simoncelli, the young rider from Romagna who tragically died on the Sepang circuit. It is no coincidence that the presentation conference of the event was opened in their memory and the cancellation of the Motosprint Golden Helmets was announced.

As with any self-respecting event, for this one too the organizers were able to create the right amount of anticipation. Perhaps excessive. Unlike similar initiatives with four wheels, in fact, those with motorbikes are not very generous with anticipation. The veils on news and surprises will be lifted only after the ribbon cutting. Yet something has already transpired. The Milanese show will host a preview of the 1199 Panigale, the new Ducati effort. From the Emilian headquarters they swear that this is the most ambitious project ever. On the front line, Honda, Yamaha, BMW, Husqvarna, Borile, LML, Kawasaki, Triumph, KTM, Piaggio, Dainese, Kymco, Peugeot, Suzuki are ready to battle.

The list of pilots and characters who will populate the seven pavilions is long and detailed. Among others, Stefano Bonetti and Shelina Moreda, Chris Pfeiffer and Adrien Chareire, Noriyuki Haga and Christophe Pourcel, Carlos Checa and Loris Capirossi, Marco Melandri and Max Biaggi, Ayrton Badovini and James Toseland will be present. Among the conferences we note the presence of the journalist and pilot Nico Cereghini with "Helmet well fastened, from Agostini to Valentino, motorbike stories and riding secrets" and the series of meetings "On a motorbike, always on a motorbike". Three special areas have been set up: The Green Planet, Tourism on two wheels and Eicma Custom. Finally, shows and exhibitions are planned in the outdoor area. Over half a million spectators are expected for the 2011 edition. The entrance ticket costs 18 euros. Women enter for free on Fridays.