November 8, 2007. Opening day of the 65th International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition at the Fiera Milano (Milan Fair). The official website is http://www.eicma.it/. My thanks to EICMA for providing a press pass.Press pass in hand, and with visiting American friend Brent, we boarded an early train from Verona to Milano Centrale. There we entered the Milan subway "Metropolitana" system and managed our way to the Rho-Fiera stop which leaves you at the entrance of the Fiera. The Fiera was designed by Roman architect Massimiliano Fuksas and is evocative of the hills and mountains in the vicinty of Milan.
The bicycle portion of the fair was housed in pavilions 5 and 7. It's clear that the bike show has diminished in size. Major vendors were missing as compared to last year. Pinarello, TREK, Cannondale, Specialized, Eddy Merckx, Orbea, Viner, Carrera, BMC, Giant, Felt, Wilier and Shimano, and others were absent. One of the reasons for the drop in exhibitors, from what I understand, is that the EUROBIKE show, held in late August/early September each year in Friedrichshafen, has over time become the show of choice for many vendors. The proximity in dates of both shows also causes companies to choose one date over the other.
Nevertheless, there was plenty to see. The wooden velodrome that was installed indoors this year for the first time was a big hit with all the attendees.
Why do I go? I enjoy going to observe trends, chat with people, discover off the beaten path products, make friends, and to take photographs.
I have created a blog entry for each subject area of interest in order to simplify my report. Enjoy the photos.
Photo: entrance to the Fiera
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