The Kawasaki Versys 650 is the official bike of the 2016 Giro D'Italia

Kawasaki Versys 650 – On the occasion of the Italian stage of WorldSBK in Imola, Kawasaki made its presence official at the 99th Giro d'Italia, from 6 to 29 May 2016. Jonathan Rea and Damiano Cunego unveiled the new graphics of the Kawasaki Versys 650, the official bike of the "Tour". The two athletes pedaled together along the #imola circuit and discussed their common passions.

The Kawasaki Versys 650 will be joined by other models from the Kawasaki range, a total of 30 bikes to meet the different needs of the organization during the prestigious race across Italy. The Versys650 was chosen for its reliability and versatility, thoroughly tested and approved by the Giro d'Italia team of riders to tackle almost 4.000 kilometers in the most diverse conditions possible. For the occasion, Damiano Cunego of the NIPPO Vini Fantini team was a guest of the Kawasaki racing Team where world champion Jonathan Rea, a great cycling enthusiast, did the honours. “JR” received the new official NIPPO Vini Fantini jersey as a gift while Cunego left the circuit with Jonathan's boots, fresh “winners” of the Assen round.

"We exchanged gifts with Damiano, a legend in the world of cycling and already winner of the #giro d'Italia.” Jonathan Rea said. “I was very pleased to meet him, I find him to be a wonderful person. Kawasaki and WorldSBK had a great idea by creating this event to present the Kawasaki Versys 650 of the “Giro” and combining Superbike with cycling. I have an unbridled passion for cycling and a good part of my training takes place on a bicycle. I have many friends among professional cyclists and I know their world well. I have so much respect for them and for all the sacrifices they make on a daily basis.
It was a lot of fun to ride together on the Imola circuit and share our passions. We exchanged phone numbers, we will certainly stay in touch, he has already invited me to a stage of the #giro, I can't wait!”

"I'm a big motorcycling fan, but I didn't know Jonathan Rea personally.” said Damiano Cunego instead. “I was pleasantly surprised to meet him today and the impression I had on TV is more than confirmed. What unites us are not only our passions but also great attention to detail and precision. I'm not surprised that he is the world champion, he is a true athlete, in great shape even on the bike. Today, pedaling together, he told me all the secrets of the circuit, I see him among the favorites this Sunday. I thank Dorna and Kawasaki for the opportunity to return to pedaling on the #imola track, this weekend I will be cheering for Jonathan and I am waiting for him on the roads of the #giro d'Italia, starting in exactly one week, where I also want to be among the protagonists looking for a stage victory. "