A Week of Riding, Friendship and Ducati Passion
The World President Tour 2026 was much more than a motorcycle tour. It was a celebration of Ducati's centenary and an opportunity for Ducati Club Presidents from around the world to come together in the country where it all began.
From the moment we arrived in Bologna, there was a sense that this would be a special week. Riders representing clubs from across the globe gathered with a shared passion for Ducati and a common excitement for the days ahead.
I have to admit, arriving in Bologna was a little daunting. Walking into the welcome function and hardly knowing anyone brought back memories of turning up to my first club race wearing the compulsory newcomer’s bright high-viz vest, and instantly felt like that guy all over again. Many of the attendees had been coming to the World President Tour since the very first one in 2002, it felt like I'd accidentally wandered into a family reunion.
Fortunately, that feeling didn't last long.
I quickly got settled in with some genuinely great people, including a couple of Nelson legends, Nick and Nigel, both of whom have a long history of attending these events. Having some smiling Kiwi faces around certainly helped me ease into the week with some valuable pointers & loads of laughs along the way.
The tour officially began with the unforgettable experience of collecting our bikes, all beautifully lined up in front of Ducati Factory, before setting off into the Italian countryside. Over the following days, we enjoyed some of Tuscany's finest roads, winding through rolling hills, vineyards, medieval towns and spectacular landscapes.
Cruising through the Chianti and Maremma regions was the perfect combination of great riding, and the chance to experience the beauty of Italy from the seat of a Ducati.
While the scenery was incredible, like something out of the Gladiator movie at times, it was the camaraderie that truly made the tour memorable. Whether sharing stories over coffee, comparing riding experiences, or simply enjoying the roads together, great friendships were formed throughout the week. Despite coming from different countries and cultures, everyone shared the same enthusiasm whenever the engines started and the road opened ahead.
The group riding itself took a little adjusting to initially. It was a fascinating mix of Italian confidence, a potpourri of riding cultures from around the world, and a wide range of experience levels and riding styles. At first it was a bit of sensory overload trying to work out the rhythm of it all. Before long though, everyone found their groove and many folks seemed to naturally gravitate into smaller groups with similar vibes.
One of the unexpected highlights of the week was the opportunity to swap bikes with other riders. Sometimes the swaps were planned, other times they happened spontaneously at the side of the road. It was a fantastic way to experience Ducati's current range. I managed to sample several of the new 890s, including the Hypermotard SP and the Monster, both very impressive machines.
The biggest surprise, however, came courtesy of a puncture.
When the Hypermotard was sidelined, a base-model Scrambler appeared in the car park as a replacement. If I'm honest, I wasn't expecting too much. It wasn't blessed with fancy electronics, rider aids, exotic components or big horsepower….but what a hoot!
Especially on the tight, twisty and often very narrow back roads of Tuscany, the Scrambler felt perfectly at home. It was refreshingly uncomplicated. No technology and performance overload. Instead, it was all about riding the bike. Working the clutch and gearbox, planning the braking a little earlier, and keeping the momentum flowing amongst a sea of bigger bikes which meant plenty of gas, brakes and gears - fun!!
Each day finished with plenty of laughter and drinks by the pool after riding in 40 degree sunshine. Some of the best moments of the tour weren't necessarily the planned highlights, but the spontaneous moments shared with fellow riders who, only a few days earlier, had been complete strangers.
Throughout all the fun on the road and evenings, the centenary theme was gently present throughout the week, reminding us of the history, values, success and passion that have made Ducati one of the world's most admired motorcycle brands.
Returning to Bologna for our final evening was a fitting conclusion to the tour. Dinner at the Ducati Museum, surrounded by decades of iconic motorbikes and racing heritage, provided a special moment to reflect on the experiences we had shared.
The final ride to Misano for World Ducati Week was the perfect finale. 100 miles was a wonderful way for a group of about 100 riders to roll into Misano together - the locals we passed on the roads seemed to love it as well!
As we handed back the bikes and headed into the festivities at Misano, one thing was certain:
Ducati may have reached its 100th year, but the passion around the world for the brand is stronger than ever.
Forza Ducati! 🏍️🇮🇹💚❤️
