This past September 20, after three show days Expobici 2010 closed its doors. It was only the third edition, but already Expobici is regarded as being the number one bike fair in Italy. However, EICMA Bici (of Milano)is rumoured to fight back with a remarkable new show concept at an even more remarkable timing.
Despite the fact that some of the biggest names from the Italian bike scene were not at the Padova Fiere for Expobici 2010; the Colnagos, Pinarellos, and the bigger import brands were hardly missed as the show broke all records. With the number of exhibitors more than doubling compared to the first edition and a visitor total increasing by over 60% this year, the show was in every aspect a mature bike event. Overall, Expobici doubled in floor space in order to host its 356 exhibitors. According to show organizer Padova Fiere, 35,650 visitors were recorded, a big increase on the 25,000 that attended last year.
One of the reasons spurring the success of this year’s Expobici is the fact EICMA cancelled its stand-alone bicycle show. For this year EICMA Bici is integrated into the Moto show. The 68th EICMA International Bicycle and Motorcycle exhibition will take place from November 2 to 7, 2010 at the new fairground in Milan.
When EICMA announced the cancellation of the 2010 stand alone EICMA Bici for September the show organizer stated: “Pending the launch of a new concept of the Italian EICMA bicycle show, the organizers have decided to move this year’s dates. The Milan bike show requires more to retain a leading position on the international market of bicycle shows. This consideration has prompted the development of a highly innovated project (for) which implementation has been scheduled for 2011.”
At Expobici rumours were circulating regarding how EICMA is to ‘retain its leading position’ as well as how this ‘highly innovated project’ will look like with which EICMA will respond to this year’s success of Expobici, and to changes at the US Interbike show.
It was said at Expobici that next year EICMA is to organize a bike event that is to take place in July. It was also rumoured that it will be a completely outdoor event at the Imola race circuit – a perfect venue for testing road racers and e-Bikes while the surroundings also offer ample tracks for MTB testing, as well as for the outdoor exhibition.
Source: Bike Europe
Photos: the Scott exhibit at ExpoBici, Ivan Basso signing autographs for fans
Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are very welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 1,500 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog and there is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page. What I'm riding.
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