July 10, 2009 (Milan, Italy) – The Milan Bicycle Show agrees with the requests of a majority of its Exhibitors and, as in the past it had changed dates to be held in conjunction with the Motorcycle Show. Now it returns to its traditional period, from September 18-21, and provides a full-fledged overview of Bicycle Manufacturers to bicycle fans and exhibitors alike; though the figures are not as impressive as the Milan Show was accustomed to attain (we are aware that it will take some time to regain all the positions lost ), from the standpoint of quality the Show may be rated as an event of primary significance.

– Prestigious Exhibitors taking part on an exclusive basis
– The Minister of the Environment Ms. Stefania Prestigiacomo will officially inaugurate the Show
– Workshop on incentives
– The Pedalata Azzurra is back
– Forum in association with the FCI
– The Observatory for Bicycle Mobility Debuts

Indeed, if an Italian bike enthusiast or a trade operator wants to preview the new products made by famous Italia manufacturers such as Campagnolo, Colnago, Pinarello, Sidi, Northwave, Biemme etc. the only chance they have to do so is to visit the Milan Show.

Another plus feature reflecting the significance of this year’s edition of the Bicycle Show is the direct involvement of representatives of the Italian government: in a year characterized by the eco-incentives made available by the Ministry of the Environment, the Show will be inaugurated by the Minister, Ms Stefania Prestigiacomo, and officers from the Ministry will attend a workshop of great interest and value for retailers and trade operators in general.

Back to the September programme, “Pedalata Azzurra” is back, scheduled to take place on Sunday 20 September. A Conference on Bicycle trends will be set up in collaboration with the FCI (EICMA 2009’s official partner), to which major personalities (but we will not announce their names until we are almost sure they will be attending) will be invited.

Lastly, during EICMA 2009 will officially debut the Observatory for Bicycle Mobility, with Marino Bartoletti as President.

The Green Planet – Starring Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
An unprecedented Expo Section entirely devoted to hybrid and electric vehicles is the most significant innovation at the 67th Bicycle and Motorcycle Show of Milan.

There is no need to underscore the cultural relevance and contemporary quality of this proposal, which is based on a full-fledged, original “project”: not just an area reserved for electric and hybrid vehicle exhibitors, but a “Show within the Show “, illustrating the concept of green mobility, where the manufacturers will place their proposals.

Attached please find a graphic view of the Green Planet section, providing a better understanding of its layout and its purpose.

The initiative has met with great favour among the makers of “zero emission” vehicles (electric and hybrid scooters, motorcycles and quads, pedal assisted bicycles, and the like). Some of these vehicles will be displayed on the stands of the manufacturing companies concerned, but will also be proposed in this unique setting, which can also be seen as a valuable opportunity for potential sponsors wishing to associate their image with the values of environmental sustainability.

The Pedalata Azzurra Cycling Tour is Back
As the Bicycle Show returns to its traditional opening period in September, one of the most popular events among classical bike touring fans also makes its comeback.

The 12th edition of the “Pedalata Azzurra” will take place on Sunday September 20, with the Pavilions of Fiera Milano as its points of departure and arrival.

The bicycle tour is a national-scale event: with the sponsorship of the FCI and the CONI, it is open to all sports promotion organizations, standings will be drawn up by club, and the competition will be valid as the 1st Eicma Milano Trophy.

Besides the newly introduced Eicma Milano Trophy dedicated to bicycle touring, other novel features include the possibility of competing wearing shirts reflecting team membership and participating in a final “parade” where keepsake photos will be taken of the competing teams in a specially created photographic set.

Accordingly, participants are under no obligation to wear the azure shirt, but if you wish to, you can buy the Eicma-Pedalata Azzurra keepsake shirt before the departure.

The participation fee of € 15 entitles the participants to ride in their groups, accompanied by a technical support unit, use the support vehicles and tools as necessary, enjoy refreshments en-route and upon arrival, have their team photos taken at the end of the day, and, needless to say, have access to the Bicycle Show on Sunday afternoon.

The get together is the South Gate of Fiera Milano, from 8:00 a.m., for a 9:15 start. The route unfolds over 65km, entirely on level ground, along the narrow roads of Parco Agricolo Sud Milano and up to the boundaries of the Ticino River Park, along the Naviglio Grande canal (this is no simple cycling tour, it is poetry on two wheels).

The tour will be preceded by two preparatory excursions, on Sunday 5 and Sunday 12 September: a micro-course to get ready for the Pedalata Azzurra in the best way possible.

For more info visit www.eicma.it