How many people were in Milan today? There were 80,000 at the San Siro for the much talked about rugby match between Italy and the legendry All Blacks, but there were as many, if not more at the Exhibition Centre for the EICMA motorbike show. The 67th edition of the international show attracted another massive crowd and could beat the record for the number of visitors.
“We’re still waiting for the official figures but the feeling is that the numbers are far higher than expected,” EICMA director Costantino Ruggiero said, reminding that final attendance numbers are always calculated after the last day, which this year is tomorrow, Sunday November 15.
It is fascinating to see how the world’s biggest motorbike show attracts all kinds of two wheel fans. On Saturday even Prince Emanuele Filiberto from the Savoia royal family was at the show, visiting the MV Augusta stand. He revealed he uses his Brutale to get around when in Paris. Like the show organizers, Emanuele Filiberto was stunned by the huge crowds: “It’s incredible, the halls have been literally invaded by people.”
Everyone who visited the show enjoyed a great day out, dividing their time between studying the new motorbikes, scooters and accessories, and collecting autographs from the stars of the sport and TV personalities such as Belen Rodriguez and Miss Italy Maria Perrusi on the Suomy stand. Amongst the many racers at the show were Loris Capirossi, Max Biaggi, Randy De Puniet and Alex De Angelis.
The outdoor MotoLive arena also attracted the crowds with the exciting race programme entertaining race fans despite the risk of rain. The big event was a round of the European Supercross series, while on Sunday the MotoLive arena will host the final biathlon team race that combines enduro and motocross races.
Sunday is also the last day to win a Ducati Desmosedici motorbike. The super bike will go to the lucky winner who bought a special voting card. The cards cost 10 Euro but the money raised will be donated to help the victims of the Abruzzo earthquake.