From a press release issued by Ducati North America:

THE SECOND EDITION OF CENTOPASSI 2004 – THE MULTISTRADA CHALLENGE – WAS CONCLUDED AT SAINT VINCENT WITH A VICTORY BY RENATO ZOCCHI

Bologna – After five exciting legs on the Western Alps, Centopassi, the motorbike challenge inspired by the versatility and performance of the Ducati Multistrada, was concluded on the 25th July with the final arrival at Saint Vincent.

Renato Zocchi, on a Honda 450, is the overall winner of the Competition Class and has taken home the grand prize – a Ducati Multistrada – with a total of 77 points acquired on the ability trials and time checks along the route.

In second place is the winner of last year’s challenge, Alberto Pignat, on his Ducati Multistrada, with a total score of 74 points, followed by Guido Zocchi in third place with a score of 58 points, also riding a Multistrada.

Participants of both categories – Competition and Iron Biker – have spent 5 days on the most fun roads and challenging passes of the Western Alps. Departure was from Nice and on day one participants passed by Cagnes sur Mere, Col de Turini, Sospel, Col de Tende to arrive at Limone Piemonte. On the 22nd of July, the route from Limone Piemonte to Sestriere touched places like, Borgo San Dalmazzo, Vinadio, St. Etienne de Tinée, il Col de la Bonette, il Col d’Izoard, Brian?on,the pass of Mont Genevre, Claviere and Sansicario. On the 23rd July Claviere, Villeneuve, Col du Galibier, Albertville, Bourg St. Maurice, Bardonecchia and Oulx were amongst the places reached.The following day from Sestriere the challenge headed towards l’Alpe d’Huez, Col de la Croix de Fer, St. Jean de Maurienne, St. Michel de Maurienne, Modane, Lenslebourg, Col du Mont Cenis, Susa and Cesana Torinese. On the 25th July, the last leg took all participants from Sestriere to Saint Vincent passing through Moncenisio, Col d’Iseran, Col du Petit St. Bernard, Aymavilles, Verrayes.

CENTOPASSI is born with the spirit to challenge the driving skill of motor bikers on the most fascinating and demanding mountain passes. This year the appeal has reached motor bikers from various nations: Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium and Holland. As in 2003, the event was open to all brands of motorbikes and the participation categories – Competition and Iron Biker – are characterised as follows:

Competition Class: Open to single participants or as part of a team of 3 riders. During each leg participants take part in ability trials and are awarded points for their driving skills and performance. Throughout the leg they must also go through various time checks.

Iron Biker Class:It is for those riders who prefer a non-competitive experience and who wish to take in the stunning scenery. Expert riders accompany the group and give advise on mountain riding.

Ducati Motor for the second year in a row is the main sponsor of the event, and the subtitle “Multistrada Challenge”, celebrates the versatility of the moto-best seller which the Bolognese factory has created to face every road type: from tortuous mountain passes to highways and even busy city centres. Centopassi had also the support of: Superga, leading company specialized in footwear and clothing for leisure time, Pirelli, one of the worlds leading producer of tyres cables and systems, APT Servizi, Emilia Romagna Tourist Promotions Office and Grandi Navi Veloci, navigation company part of the Grimaldi group.

Centopassi would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of the Italian Street Police and of the Hosting Municipalities: Nice, Limone Piemonte, Cesana Torinese-Sansicario, Sestriere, Oulx , Saint-Vincent. Centopassi is an event organised by Dream Engine with the support of Motoclub Terni “Libero Liberati”, Team Curve &Tornanti and under the aegis of Federazione Motociclistica Italiana.