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  1. With the A.R.T.T. certification programme, Touratech sets internationally binding standards for instructors and tour guides in the premium segment. Graduates receive a skillset that enables them to create motorcycling experiences at the very highest level
     
    Certification as a valuable guide
    In response to the enormous demand, a huge, almost unmanageable range of organised tours and training courses has emerged in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for customers to identify high-quality offers. In this situation, quality seals backed by a brand with high credibility provide valuable guidance.
    In order to define a standard for motorbike experiences at the highest level, Touratech has launched the certification programme A.R.T.T. together with Edelweiss Bike Travel.
     
    What is A.R.T.T.?
    A.R.T.T. stands for Adventure Rider Tours and Training. This succinctly describes the core segment of the rapidly growing market for high-quality off-road experiences by motorbike.
    Guides and instructors with outstanding riding skills acquire in-depth skills for the management of demanding tours and trainings as well as a broad portfolio of soft skills for the confident handling of complex group dynamic processes within the framework of the A.R.T.T. certification.
     
    A.R.T.T. - the basis for successful business models
    The A.R.T.T. certification is the perfect prerequisite for instructors and tour guides to stand out from the crowd and target an upmarket audience.
    In addition, A.R.T.T.-certified tour guides and instructors are authorised to integrate the Touratech brand into their marketing concept and offerings.
     
    The way to the certificate
    The application for an A.R.T.T. certification is always made via the Touratech Headquarters in Niedereschach or via a Touratech distributor. Guides and instructors applying for the programme must already have outstanding riding skills, as no riding technique is taught as part of the certification.
    After an individual selection process, the participants go through a five-day workshop that includes both practical and theoretical modules and is concluded by an examination. At the end of this structured process is the A.R.T.T. certificate.

  2. The three-day test at the Sepang International Circuit, the first of 2023, was a successful one for Team Gresini MotoGP. Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio were able to continue – but more likely begin – the on-track work aboard the Desmosedici GP22 machines they first tried for a few laps more than three months ago at Valencia. 
     
    Despite a not-too-productive day two due to adverse weather, in which the riders #49 and #73 were still able to try their Ducati motorcycles in wet conditions, the final day allowed both riders to work on set-up and electronics, with an eye on engine braking.
     
    With the crates ready for the return to Europe, the following test will take place at Portimao on March 10-11 with the final test of the 2023 preseason. 
     

    7th - FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (Best lap overall - 1’58.344s) 
    “The step forward compared to last year is there and it is quite noticeable. The bike is less on the limit compared to the previous version and there is bigger margin for improvement, especially on corner exit where you can work to perfect the traction side of things. We worked well with the team and we focused on the race pace: not only to prepare for the race itself but also to understand how the bike behaves and how I behave with used tyres. We’re still haven’t hit our full potential, but it was a good start nonetheless.”
     
    9th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (Best lap overall - 1’58.385s) 
    “We working quite a lot on the bike and the set-up and we also did a time attack. It was important to understand which direction to take set-up wise especially considering my riding style: we’re still missing something, but generally speaking it was a very productive and constructive day. We understood a lot in these three days and at Portimao we’ll try to fine-tune some details in order to be ready for the first race.”

     

  3. Indian Motorcycle has announced official support for the 2023 staging of the Indian Riders Fest (IRF), which is expected to be the world’s largest gathering of Indian Motorcycle owners following the impressive attendance at the 2022 event. Located in ÄŒeské BudÄ›jovice (Budweis), Czech Republic, the festival will centre around a large event village in the city exhibition grounds and will see a rich programme of events from June 9-11, 2023.

    The IRF was born from the desire of organiser Jean-Marie Guyon to bring riders from Europe and beyond to Budweis, regardless of language or cultural background, to share their passion for the iconic Indian Motorcycle brand and have an incredible weekend. Expectations are high that 2023 could set new records after IRF 2022 saw more than 2500 motorcycles attend the festival and the celebratory parade featured 1200 Indian Motorcycles.

    “IRF 2023 will include all the elements that made previous editions successful, beginning with freedom and friendship. The Indian Riders Festival is undoubtedly an international event, with attendees from over 37 nations and the organisation team is thrilled to welcome Indian Motorcycle again as a main partner,” said Jean-Marie Guyon.

    “Our Indian Motorcycle Riders groups throughout Europe have really gained momentum in recent years and the desire for special destination events is evident from the outstanding success of IRF 2022. Interest in the festival has only continued to grow and I feel certain that the 2023 event will again be the largest gathering of Indian Motorcycle owners anywhere in the world. We’re delighted to continue and expand our support for the IRF and I really look forward to being among the riders in June,” said Grant Bester, Vice President International for Indian Motorcycle.

    Just a short walk from the city centre, the event village will welcome riders with a large Indian Motorcycle area and, to kick-off the weekend’s events, a big live concert followed by a DJ led afterparty will be held on the Friday evening.

    With a genuine apparel shop, the Indian Motorcycle Roadshow truck offering test rides on the latest models, an official Indian Motorcycle Dealership presence providing full servicing and maintenance, festivalgoers will also have plenty of entertainment and shopping opportunities from more than 100 exhibitors and stands, plus the chance to win a customised Indian Challenger in the big prize raffle.

    In addition to more live concerts throughout the weekend, creative talent will be on display in the Custom Indian Motorcycle Show, heritage on show in the Vintage motorcycle exhibition while The Lucky Daredevils defy gravity on the famous Wall of Death, Martin Krátky performs stunts on his Indian FTR and expert riding of a different kind thrills in the regular rodeo shows.

    The Saturday parade has become a famous highlight of the festival and has grown from 465 Indian Motorcycles in 2019 to 1200 last year. Now, organisers are preparing a new 25km route on roads closed especially for the ride in anticipation of breaking the 2000 Indian Motorcycle mark. The ride will also put a spotlight on women bikers with the Ladies First group heading the parade following the success of this initiative in 2022.

    After a ride through the beautiful Bohemia area, the parade will finish at the heart of the city in the Přemysl Otakar II square providing a spectacular photo opportunity as the Indian Motorcycle Riders groups lay their flags in the centre of the historic square surrounded by their motorcycles.

    For those who’d like to attend the festival but can’t ride to the event, there is the option to hire an Indian Motorcycle onsite over four to six day periods through the official rental partner, ZM-Moto.

    Rentals will be available onsite from as early as Tuesday 6th June and there is a choice of 17 Indian Motorcycles across the Scout, FTR, Chief, Chieftain and Springfield model ranges.

    Prices start at 184 € per day based on a six day rental of an Indian Scout.

    For more information, terms and conditions, and bookings please visit the IRF e-Shop (links below).

    The Indian Riders Fest has become an essential date for European riders, welcoming everyone regardless of motorcycle brand, and tickets are selling fast. Interested riders should head to the festival’s website to secure their tickets for a great summer weekend with like-minded people.

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    Indian Riders Fest 2023 Teaser Video

     

  4. The journey towards the 2023 continues unabated and Team Gresini MotoGP embraces a new, important partnership. Starting from this year, DEA SYSTEM, a leading company in the creation of products and systems for building and public spaces automation, will be among the new official sponsors of the team led by Nadia Padovani.
     
    A truly Italian, albeit of international flavour (with 14 branches around the world), DEA SYSTEM will be visible on the front fairings of both 2022 Desmosedici machines, on the leathers of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio as well as on pit-box panels and team trucks.   
     

    MAURIZIO ODOARDI – DEA SYSTEM Spa MANAGING DIRECTOR
    “From the first meeting with Nadia and Carlo, we have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, passion and team spirit that characterises the Gresini Racing world. These are the same values that define our institution and that we share with all our partners around the world. We’re ready to start this new journey with team Gresini, for an exchange that will reinforce our brand and the values we spread.”
     
    TIZIANO LIEVORE – DEA SYSTEM Spa FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
    “I’m happy to start this stimulating partnership that ties together Italianity and internationality, two key traits I founded my company upon. Team Gresini Racing Team Gresini Racing represents the best ally to face this journey with, in full synergy, also due to the fantastic work Nadia has been carrying forward with passion and commitment.”
     
    CARLO MERLINI – COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING DIRECTOR GRESINI RACING
    “It is always nice and stimulating to announce the beginning of a new collaboration… an new journey to share with DEA SYSTEM; the shared points between the two have been so many that made this partnership an absolutely natural one. We are getting ready to face a season filled with new challenges with the new arrival Alex Marquez but also with Diggia, who is going to tackle his second season in the premier class: expectations are clearly high. I would like to welcome Tiziano and Maurizio and thank them for putting their trust into the Gresini Racing projects… it will likely be a partnership filled with success and excitement!”

     

  5. Fresh challenges await Gresini Racing and Oli this year, as the two companies shake hands once again for a 2023 season that promises to be an interesting one, thanks also to a new line-up with still undiscovered potential. 
     
    Fabio Di Giannatonio is willing to show all his talent in his sophomore MotoGP year with a bike he now knows well, while new arrival Alex Marquéz will try to change pace with new machinery after a couple of up-and-down seasons. 
     
    OLI, for over 30 years a leading company specialised in production and development of bathroom solutions, namely flushing cisterns and universal mechanisms, will be again one of the official sponsors of Team Gresini MotoGP with great visibility on both Ducati machines #73 and #49 as well as on both riders’ leathers and team uniforms.
     

    ANTÓNIO OLIVEIRA – BOARD MEMBER OF OLI S.A.
    "After a very successful season, we are delighted to continue our partnership with Gresini Racing! As we enter the fifth season together, we look back on a connection between two family companies that with persistence and courage have achieved success on and off the track. The common values between OLI and Gresini have strengthened our bond and make us look forward to another year with confidence! ".
     
    CARLO MERLINI – COMMERCIAL & MARKETING DIRECTOR GRESINI RACING
    “The partnership with Oli is based on a strong spirit of cooperation and this is surely thanks to a deep commonality of values which created between the two companies. A half decade in which we witness plenty of exciting moment, such as last year for example, but also some challenging ones that still saw OLI and Gresini Racing tight together, with an eye towards the future and fully focused on the goals to achieve. I would like to thank Federica and Antonio for the renewed confidence in Gresini’s MotoGP project, which I’m sure we’ll repay with the emotions that our riders will be able to deliver.”