What a Ride: Representing DOCNZ at the World President Tour in Sicily
Representing our DOCNZ president Ange at this year’s World President Tour (WPT) was nothing short of a dream come true. Imagine this: Ducati Official Club leaders from every corner of the globe, converging in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, Sicily, to strengthen our connection with Ducati and celebrate our shared obsession with two wheels and Italian engineering. From the bustling streets of Palermo to the shadow of Mount Etna in Catania, it was a week of roaring engines, unforgettable roads, and friendships forged in the fire of adventure.
The Warm-Up: Bologna and Beyond
I landed in Italy early, eager to shake off the jetlag and dive headfirst into Ducati culture. First stop: the Ducati Factory in Bologna, a pilgrimage every Ducatista should make.
Walking through the birthplace of legends, I felt the pulse of passion that fuels every machine. Then, a detour to the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata, where I stood face-to-face with the jaw-dropping Lamborghini Sián, the very beast that inspired the Ducati Diavel Lamborghini edition. Bellissimo doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Arrival in Sicily: The Calm Before the Storm
A ferry from Genova carried me to Sicily, where I soaked in the Mediterranean charm before the main event. Then came the moment: standing in Palermo’s central station, greeted by a driver holding a DUCATI sign. It felt like stepping into a movie. We were whisked away in a sleek black Mercedes van to Domina Zagarella, our first hotel, where the adventure officially began.
That night, I met fellow ambassadors from Chicago, Dallas, Mexico, and Poland—strangers who would soon become family. The energy was electric.
Day One: The Red Armband Riders
The next morning, the hotel carpark transformed into a Ducati showroom. 80 brand-new bikes gleaming under the Sicilian sun. I was in the Red Group, the “newbies,” and we bonded instantly over our shared awe. My ride? A nimble Ducati Monster, perfect for the tight switchbacks and sweeping coastal roads ahead.
Escaping Palermo’s chaotic traffic was a thrill in itself, dodging cars, lane-splitting like locals, and following our ride leader through the madness. Once we hit the open road, it was pure bliss: winding through vineyards, olive groves, and ancient towns, each turn revealing another postcard-perfect view.
The Rhythm of the Ride
Each day followed a delicious rhythm: a morning ride through stunning Sicilian landscapes, a mid-morning espresso break, and an epic lunch, usually featuring pasta, swordfish, and the ever-present eggplant. After an afternoon ride under the blazing sun (with temperatures often soaring past 30°C), we’d roll back into our hotel. Thankfully, my Ducati summer jacket kept me cool and comfortable throughout the heat. A quick shower, an obligatory Facebook update to the DOCNZ page, and a video call with Stu, who, due to unfortunate circumstances, couldn’t make the trip with me, became part of my evening ritual. Then it was out the door again for a multi-course dinner that stretched late into the night.
Evenings were for storytelling, laughter, and connecting with Ducatisti from London, Taiwan, New York, UAE, Panama, and beyond. Every night, my global Ducati family grew.
The Heart of WPT: Vision, Speed, and Celebration
On Day Five, we gathered for the World President Meeting, where Ducati shared its bold vision: to be the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Their mission? To enrich lives through thrilling experiences and build lasting relationships rooted in trust and experience. It was inspiring to hear it straight from the source.
That afternoon, we watched MotoGP, then explored Palermo’s historic heart before heading to a gala dinner in Mondello, right on the waterfront. The centerpiece? A stunning Panigale Tricolore, bathed in lights. It was a night of elegance, celebration, and a few too many toasts.
The Final Ride
The last morning was bittersweet. The laughter was softer, the goodbyes harder. But the memories? Unforgettable. The WPT wasn’t just a tour, it was a transformative journey. I came to Sicily representing DOCNZ, but I left with a global family, a heart full of stories, and a soul forever marked by the spirit of Ducati.
📸 Ducati 📸 ✍️Bat
