Even if Valentino Rossi did not make it to the EICMA show, Saturday was yet another great day for the International Bicycle and Motorbike Exhibition with an increase of 4% in the number of visitors packing the halls at the new Milan exhibition centre, compared to the record breaking number of 2007.
The fact that internet tickets sold out on Friday was an early sign of success and good weather in Milan meant thousands of spectators were able to enjoy the outdoor Motolive show from the best European Supercross riders and the parade of Honda pilots.
The Milan Six-Day cycle race continued on the indoor track and also attracted a large crowd as Argentinean pair Perez and Donadio and Pozzato-Roberts fought out for overall victory. Of course local hero Paolo Bettini is the star of the show and will be given an emotional farewell when he retires from professional racing on Sunday night.
Other cycling stars captured the attention of the thousands of cycling fans in the halls, including current world champion Alessandro Ballan, Damiano, Cunego, Ivan Basso, Fabiana Luperini, plus stars of the past Felice Gimondi and Mario Cipollini.
Max Biaggi was the motorbike idol of the day in the absence of rival Valentino Rossi and captured the spotlight and the cheers of the crowd. Italian TV star Valeria Marini was also a big draw as she promoted the new Lambretta scooters that are were once famous in Italy and around the world.
The world is changing rapidly and as was confirmed in a special transport congress, even the two-wheel industry in Italy will feel the effects of the economic crisis. However the number of visitors to the Milan show seem to indicate that both the motorbike and bicycle industries in Italy continue to impress thanks to the creativity and energy they put into their latest products.