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News :: Accordo Bianchi - Ducati

16 February 2006

Accordo Bianchi - Ducati

Brambilla and Minoli share secrets, photo: BiciRace.com

Two of the coolest Italian companies have come together: Bianchi and Ducati. Yesterday at Bianchi headquarters in Treviglio the announcement was made that by the fall of 2006 there would be a special line of bicycles produced solely for Ducati. Bianchi will debut the new range of bikes, and kits, at the 2006 trade shows.

Ducati follows on the heels of last year's Emporio Armani fashion bikes by Bianchi. The Bolognese motorcycle firm is the name in Italian motorcycles, usually recognized by their flashy red racing colors. Likewise, Bianchi is highly regarded, recognized worldwide for their celeste color.

Emporio Armani Machines, photo: BiciRace.com

Federico Minoli, president and managing director of Ducati, was at the Bianchi headquarters to present the new agreement with Davide Brambilla, managing director of Bianchi. "Bianchi is by the side of a historic Italian company one more time. If we sum up the years from foundation of Bianchi's and Ducati's brand, the result is more than 200-year history of the two wheels in our country," said Brambilla "From the exchange of our passion and experience we wish to increase the development of our sector."

Bayliss with Bianchi, photo: BiciRace.com

To spice the agreement Minoli brought along his top rider, Aussie Troy Bayliss. In addition to being a winning Superbike rider he is also is filled with passion for the non-motorized machines. From his base in Monaco Bayliss puts in lots of hours on his bike for training and pleasure, often riding with the numerous professionals that live in the area.

Bayliss is a pleasure to speak with and explained he got started on the bike early. "I lost my permit license and I had to get to work, so I took up the bike. I enjoyed it right away," said Bayliss. "Soon I will be traveling to Qatar and then Australia, it will be 13 days off the bike and I will really start to miss riding. But when I can I ride, usually two to three hours at a time."

Minoli Inspects Bianchi, photo: BiciRace.com

The Aussie was the perfect ambassador to help celebrate the new Accordo (or agreement) with Bianchi and Ducati. You can be sure that Minoli and Brambilla will have Bayliss as one of the first test pilots of their new Ducati-styled Bianchi machine.

16 February News ...