Ducati Centopassi Challenge for 2006

Text and photos courtesy Ducati Motor S.p.A.

The Fourth Ducati Centopassi: Western Alps, July 18-22, 2006

This year the motorcycling event dedicated to riders who love to put themselves to the test on mountain roads will complete a final episode in the Western Alps before the scenery changes in 2007.

After the success of the 2005 edition, Centopassi sets off once more in 2006.  On the 18th of July, participants will meet in Nice for the preliminary operations check-in and technical briefing, and then on the 19th, they will leave for the first leg towards Bardonecchia.

The 2006 itinerary will explore the highly adventurous roads and mountain passes of the Western Alps, with legs that differ from the previous years.  This will be the last edition in the Western Alps and will complete ideal cycle that began in 2004.

The route will be articulated in four legs of approximately 350km each and the mountain roads and passes have been selected to test the abilities and endurance participants.  All end of all legs will return to Bardonecchia, a location that offers hotel structures capable of welcoming motorcyclists in the best possible manner and where the Centopassi Village will be set up.  Riders and local spectators will be greeted with entertainment activities, music and bike exhibitions.

The fourth edition of Centopassi is characterized by two important changes, both technical and safety related.  This year there are renewed regulations (currently under phase of definition) and a new race direction team.  Safety for the event is enriched by the precious collaboration with Doctor’s Costa Clinica Mobile, a highly professional medical support team that follows the MotoGP and Superbike races.  The Clinica Mobile will be present at Centopassi with a fixed unit in Bardonecchia and two mobile units that will follow the riders.

Centopassi was born in 2003 with the objective of challenging passionate motorcyclists who enjoy riding mountain roads and passes.  The past three editions have seen the event grow and perfect its philosophy: a demanding commitment from the riders point of view , made to move, amuse and create team spirit.

The event is open to all brands of motorbikes, registered from 1980 onwards and of 150 cc or higher. The participation categories – Competition and Iron Biker – offer the possibility of choosing between a competitive or a tourist modality and are characterized as follows:

Competition Class: Participants take part individually or as part of a team of 3 to 4 riders. Even though it is not a speed race, the route is very demanding and recommended for expert riders.  During every leg, participants are subject to time checks and will have to perform ability trials that aim to evaluate their precision skills, ability and equilibrium.

Iron Biker Class: This class is for those riders who prefer a non-competitive experience, taking in the stunning scenery, historic villages and overall flavor of the Italian and French mountain experience.  Expert motorcycle guides will accompany this group, offering tips on mountain riding.

The peak of the event will be during the prize giving ceremony on the 22nd July after the fourth leg, when the best over all driver in the Competition Class will be awarded the coveted prize: a Ducati Multistrada 620.  Registration for Centopassi 2006 will be open until the 5th of June 2006, or until all available places have been filled. The online registration form is available on the Centopassi website.

Centopassi is made possible thanks to the support for the second consecutive year of the main sponsor, Z Zegna, the fragrance for men by Ermenegildo Zegna. 

The event also relies on the support of the technical partner Ducati Motor, Iveco, Tucano Urbano and tye Comune di Bardonecchia.

Centopassi is an event organised by Dream Engine, under the aegis of Federazione Motociclistica Italiana, and the technical collaboration of the Curve&Tornanti team.

Note:  For informational use only.  All material and photographs are Copyright © webWorld International, LLC - 2000-2008.  All rights reserved.  Read the Terms and Conditions.  See the webBikeWorld® Site Info page.