The first day open to the public at the Milan International Bicycle and Motorbike Exhibition organised EICMA show attracted a huge crowd confirming the hopes of another record crowd by the end of the show on Sunday.
Following the official opening ceremony in the presence of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who took over the show during a rapid tour of the halls as he admire the latest Italian motorbikes and bicycles, Thursday saw the arrival of racing pilots Troy Bayliss and Andrea Dovizioso, and Italian cyclist Danilo Di Luca.
The first day open to the public also marked the start of the Motolive outdoor arena, while Paolo Bettini made a brave comeback in the new Milan Six-Day on the indoor track in hall 7. Bettini crashed heavily on Tuesday and was taken to hospital but was determined to continue in the Six-Day, the last race of his professional career.
On Friday the show will have extended opening hours (until 10:00pm) and women get in for free. The organisers have even created special promotional rates for families who want to spend the day at the show.
Further two-wheeled stars are expected at the show on Friday, with even world champion and Italian idol Valentino Rossi a possible surprise visitor.