As Ducati riders in New Zealand, Italy can feel very far away.
This year, I had the incredible privilege of representing the Ducati Official Club New Zealand on the World President Tour before joining the celebrations at World Ducati Week 2026. It wasn't simply a motorcycle event, it was an experience that reminded me why being part of the Ducati family is so special.
The World President Tour
The President Tour brought together Ducati Official Club presidents and represenatives from around the globe, creating an opportunity to share stories, ideas and friendships that stretched far beyond language or geography. Despite coming from different cultures and riding in completely different parts of the world, we all shared the same passion; Ducati Motorcycles.
The tour combined incredible riding with unforgettable hospitality. Every road seemed to showcase another picture-perfect Italian landscape, while every stop gave us the chance to connect with fellow club leaders, Ducati staff and ambassadors who work so hard to keep the Ducati community thriving worldwide.
One of the biggest highlights was seeing firsthand how much Ducati values its clubs. The Official Clubs aren't simply riding groups - they're ambassadors for the Ducati brand, helping create welcoming communities wherever we ride.
Representing Ducati Official Club New Zealand was a genuine honour. DOCNZ is one of the larger Ducati Official Clubs in the global network, with more than 600 passionate members spread from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South. Being able to share our riding culture and community with club presidents from around the world made me incredibly proud to wear the New Zealand colours.
World Ducati Week
Nothing can truly prepare you for World Ducati Week.
Imagine tens of thousands of passionate Ducatisti gathering at the Misano World Circuit. The sound alone is unforgettable: the roar of V-twins and V4s echoing throughout the circuit all day long. The action, the heat, the people - it was a lot to take in! To say that I was overwhelmed to begin with is an understatement!
Everywhere you looked there were incredible motorcycles. Beautiful restorations sat beside the latest Panigales, Streetfighters, Multistradas, DesertXs and Diavels.
The event wasn't just about motorcycles. It was about community. Walking through the paddock, meeting riders from countries I'd never visited, swapping stories, comparing riding roads and talking about adventures reminded me just how global the Ducati family really is.
One of the absolute highlights for me of World Ducati Week came on the Sunday. In the morning, I had the unforgettable opportunity to be an umbrella girl on the MotoGP grid for the Race of Champions, standing trackside alongside Ducati's factory riders as the atmosphere built before the start. Then, in the afternoon, I swapped the grid for the saddle and took part in one of Ducati's riding experiences, putting the new DesertX Rally through its paces on the off-road track. It was an absolute blast (& beating the boys on the track was a bonus ;) It was one of those pinch-me moments that perfectly captured what WDW is all about: incredible experiences, amazing bikes, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Racing & Entertainment
The racing demonstrations, stunt shows and rider appearances kept the atmosphere electric throughout the weekend.
Watching Ducati legends and MotoGP stars up close is something every fan should experience at least once.
More Than a Motorcycle Event
Perhaps what surprised me most wasn't the scale of the event, but the feeling!
Especially the WPT felt like one giant family reunion. Complete strangers became riding friends within minutes, and conversations flowed as easily as if we'd known each other for years.
As someone representing Ducati Official Club New Zealand, I felt incredibly welcomed. It reinforced that no matter how far away we are geographically, we're still part of something much bigger.
Bringing Inspiration Home
Coming home, I haven't just brought back photographs and memories.
I've returned inspired, with new ideas for our club, fresh friendships from around the world, and an even greater appreciation for what it means to wear the Ducati shield.
And if you've ever wondered whether World Ducati Week is worth travelling halfway around the world for...
The answer is absolutely yes.
Once you've experienced it, you'll understand why Ducati isn't just a motorcycle - it truly is a family.
Forza Ducati!
✍🏽&📸Emma Kraft
