Ducati to Establish "Heritage Village" to Celebrate 100th Anniversary at World Ducati Week 2026

Ducati will establish a special area called "Heritage Village" dedicated to the brand's history and cultural heritage at the World Ducati Week (WDW) in 2026, celebrating its 100th anniversary. This area will host the "Ducati Heritage Contest 2026," which focuses on Ducati road bikes manufactured up to the year 2000.

Heritage Village: An Immersive Space to Experience Ducati's History

At the World Ducati Week (WDW) in 2026, the world's largest Ducati celebration, held from July 3rd to 5th at the Misano World Circuit, Ducati will feature "Heritage Village" as one of its main attractions to commemorate the brand's 100th anniversary, with a focus on its history and cultural heritage.

The centerpiece of Heritage Village will be the "Ducati Heritage Contest 2026." This official contest is open to Ducati road bikes manufactured up to the year 2000, offering collectors and enthusiasts a platform to share the stories behind their cherished machines. The contest has been created to honor the historical significance, originality, and technical authenticity of the models that have shaped Ducati's evolution from its Bologna roots, providing a special stage to showcase their timeless appeal and highlight the uniqueness of each motorcycle.

The contest will unfold over multiple stages throughout the weekend. On Friday, July 3rd, a technical jury composed of motorcycle enthusiast associations, Ducati experts, and legendary riders will evaluate the entered motorcycles. The jury will select 10 finalists based on criteria such as authenticity and originality, state of preservation, quality of restoration, aesthetic quality and design, and historical and documentary value.

Participant Voting and Legendary Riders Add to Ducati's Historic Celebration

Starting Saturday, July 4th, the selected motorcycles will be displayed within Heritage Village, and public voting by event attendees will commence. Visitors will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite bikes, contributing to the determination of the final rankings.

The winners will be announced on Sunday, July 5th, on the main WDW stage. Recipients of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will receive commemorative Ducati memorabilia. Additionally, the technical jury will present a special award for the most historically significant motorcycle: an authentic Ducati Corse fairing (signed). Furthermore, all 10 finalists will be treated to an exclusive "Borgo Panigale Experience," offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into where Ducati motorcycles are born.

In addition to the contest participants, Heritage Village will showcase other historic Ducatis brought by enthusiasts. Owners of Ducati models manufactured up to 2000 will have access to a dedicated management area throughout WDW, which will serve as an outdoor exhibition space. This will create a unique display of motorcycles that have survived to this day through the passion and dedication of their owners, spanning Ducati's history across different eras.

Completing the journey through Ducati's history is the exhibition "100 Years, 100 Stories, One Legend." This exhibit traces Ducati's century of history through 100 milestones that have shaped the company's evolution. From victories etched in world motorcycle racing to technological innovations that redefined performance, and models that established Ducati's distinctive design language, this exhibition offers a unique perspective through the brand's most significant moments.

Heritage Village is a place where the past and present converge, bringing to life the stories, people, and motorcycles that have built the Ducati legend. Visitors will have the opportunity to relive memorable moments, share their passion, and rediscover some of the milestones that have made the Borgo Panigale manufacturer's history unique. The village will be open to the public throughout all three days of WDW, from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Ducati's 100-year history would not be complete without the people who have written some of its most important chapters. Ducati legends such as Casey Stoner, Loris Capirossi, Troy Bayliss, and Carl Fogarty will take center stage, both on and off the track. In the traditional "Lap of Honour," one of the most emotional and anticipated moments of WDW, former Ducati champions will parade again on the circuit in front of thousands of enthusiasts. Within Heritage Village, they will also participate in meet-and-greets, interviews, and discussion sessions, offering attendees the chance to relive some of the great sporting achievements of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.

Ducati: https://www.ducati.com/ww/en/world-ducati-week