After riding with the Ducatisti in Delhi-NCR as part of the Ducati We Ride As One gathering, we flew to Italy to participate in the World Ducati Week 2026. This year’s WDW was made even more special by the fact that Ducati is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Also, as is custom, our attendance at the World Ducati Week either marks the end of a roadtrip or the beginning of one; this year does not fall out of that tradition either. But more on that in the next piece. 

World Ducati Week is the Borgo Panigale marquee’s flagship event. It is joined by thousands of riders, not just from Italy or Europe but from all around the world. And since this year was even more special, the turnout was nothing short of extraordinary. Wherever one could look, there was something exciting going on: freestyle shows, stunt rides, and so on. Another nice bit was when the fans got to meet Ducati champions from different eras. More than anything, it was like a journey back through time where we got to witness the motorcycles and the people who have made Ducati the iconic brand it is today. 

One of Day 1’s biggest moments was the Lap of Honour, where the circuit was shared by past and present Ducati champions. The sheer weight of watching generations of riders riding side-by-side gives one a perspective on how storied the brand’s history is. As the sunset approached, it was time for World Ducati Week’s most iconic traditions: a sea of Ducatisti painting the Romagna Riviera red as they rode to Samsara Beach in Riccione. At the stroke of midnight, Ducati officially turned hundred with the brand blowing out 100 candles to celebrate the moment. 

The second day began with the unveiling of the all-new Desmo450 SM, the brand’s first Supermotard. Things were also heating up on the racetrack with the free practice and qualifying for the Lenovo Race of Champions. After a few gruelling sessions, it was Nicolo Bulega who took the pole position. Soon after, there was another Lap of Honour that brought Ducati legends back on the circuit. 

Then came the night, and the Live the Legend Night turned Misano into the centrepiece of Ducati’s centenary celebrations, a gathering of thousands of Ducatisti. Then came the “Photo of the Century” that brought together the riders and personalities who have defined Ducati’s story. The photo was followed by a stunning drone show that lit up the sky with images showcasing 100 years of Ducati. Finally, fireworks called an end to another epic day. 

World Ducati Week would be incomplete without some racing action, and on Day 3, the audience got just that. The Lenovo Race of Champions brought Ducati’s MotoGP and WorldSBK stars onto the same grid. It is the sort of race that you do not get to see anywhere else. There were close battles and bold overtakes, but ultimately, it was Nicolo Bulega who rode a perfect race from pole and took the victory. Alberto Surra finished second, while Lorenzo Baldassarri rounded out the podium.

Ducati has also been committed to nurturing young talent. Lenovo V2 Future Champ Academy and the V4 Elite Cup gave the next generation of Ducati riders their chance to shine. This showed that if the first 100 years of Ducati are anything to go by, the next century is going to be even better. 

And just like that, the Centenary Edition of World Ducati Week concluded. We have been a part of many WDW editions, but this one is going to remain etched in our memories for a long time. So… until next time.

Also, do not forget to check out the next piece that shows you how we converted another one of our World Ducati Week experiences into another roadtrip through some of the best bits of Europe!

With Mr Amit Chauhan, Head of Marketing, Ducati India and Mr Siddhartha Varma, Marketing Director, Asia Pacific and India, Ducati Motor Holding, Thailand