Bianchi and Ducati Corse: Two Legends Meet to Build 200 Bicycles
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BOLOGNA, Italy, Sept. 24 -- Two historic Italian firms, which have written some of the most glorious chapters in sporting history, meet on common ground to give rise to an exclusive new product: the Ducati Corse by Bianchi bicycle.
Produced in a numbered, limited-edition series of 200, the bicycle will be made to measure for each individual client and will go on sale exclusively on the Ducati.com website at a list price of 5,500 Euro, from November 5 to December 5, 2002.
Bianchi and Ducati Corse: a partnership rich in fascination, exciting new challenges and victories which continue to amaze even today. Coppi, Hailwood, Gimondi, Fogarty, Pantani and Bayliss are just a few of the champions who on the legendary 'light-blue' and 'red' bikes have thrilled sports fans throughout the world.
The collaboration between Bianchi and Ducati Corse derives from an intimate sharing of values, of perfect lines, an attention to detail and a constant search for state-of-the-art solutions. It is a union based on a sporting soul that aspires to transmit all the excitement and passion that only Italian design and technology possesses. It is an extreme choice to exalt 'Made in Italy' throughout the world.
The result is the new bike designed by Bianchi to celebrate the successes of Ducati Corse. The new Ducati Corse features new shapes, tubing and dimensions. Aluminium and carbon are mixed to achieve both frame rigidity and high performances. The shape of the down tube, the Mega Pro Evolution, and the Structural Foam Injection, the treatment patented by Bianchi, increase the fatigue strength of the frame. A true 'fighter bike'. All the components are 'made in Italy', from Campagnolo Record 10v, to ITM Millenium stem, the titanium seatpost SLR from Selle Italia, the PMP bb-set in titanium and ergal, the tyres 'Il Guerriero' from Vittoria and so are the dedicated Antara carbon wheels from FIR. In one word, the best of 'Made in Italy'.
Guests of honour for the presentation of the bike will be Felice Gimondi, who has won everything there is to win with Bianchi, from the Giro d'Italia to the Tour de France as well as all the 'Classic' races, and Troy Bayliss, the Ducati champion who is currently battling for the World Superbike title.
Troy Bayliss in fact is a real fan of bicycles and in particular of road-racing. This year he has taken part in the classic 'Ten Hills of Bologna' race.
"I really love bikes," declared the 33-year-old Australian. "When I arrive back home in Monaco after a race weekend, I always get on my bike to switch off from the racing environment and above all to keep me fit for the next race. I think if I wasn't racing motorbikes, I would somehow be chasing a contract in pro cycling."
"I've got a Bianchi actually, but I can't wait to get on one of these special limited edition models, which the Italian firm has had made-to-measure for me. I always get a real 'buzz' when I get on a new bike for the first time, and I'm sure it'll be exactly the same in this case!" added Troy.
For the moment however Troy will have to put aside any thoughts of an easy ride, as he gears up for next weekend when he will be required to defend his World Superbike title at Imola's Enzo & Dino Ferrari circuit.
But it will be surely on his Bianchi-Ducati Corse bicycle that Bayliss will be warming up his muscles for the 2003 season, which will see him line up together with Loris Capirossi for Ducati's new challenge in the World MotoGP championship.
SPECIFICATIONS
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