Over 3,000 visitors, 5,000 test rides and more than 350 young riders in the saddle in the dedicated areas: these are the numbers closing the first edition of EICMA Riding X Fest, the EICMA event entirely dedicated to specialist off-road riding, held on 19 and 20 September at Ottobiano Motorsport, in the Pavia area.
The Ottobiano circuit, an internationally renowned facility and a temple of motorsport, became a unique meeting point for the off-road world. Over 150 cross and enduro bikes, including numerous 2027 range novelties, were provided by Beta, Ducati, Fantic, GASGAS, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Kove, Sherco, Strix e-volution, T-Moto, TM Moto, Vent and Yamaha. It was one of the largest multibrand test experiences ever staged in off-road, letting riders compare bikes and brands in the same place and under the same conditions.
Five activity areas catered to every level: XCROSS PRO for the most experienced, XCROSS AMATEUR for approaching the discipline in controlled conditions, XENDURO dedicated to enduro bikes, Rookie AcademX by FMI for newcomers and youngsters, with federation instructors, and EICMA For Kids for the youngest. Safety was a constant priority.
The paddock hosted, alongside the manufacturers, leading industry companies such as Acerbis, Airoh, In&Motion, Wheelup, RTech, STM Italy and Tolos Performance, while the stage, hosted by Roberto Ungaro, featured talks and interviews with names like Alex Salvini, Chicco Chiodi, David Philippaerts and Christophe Pourcel. On Saturday, visitors could also watch the Italian national team train ahead of the International Six Days Enduro.
The response from younger generations was particularly significant: over 350 future riders had their first experience in the saddle in the Rookie AcademX and EICMA For Kids areas, promoted by the Italian Motorcycling Federation (FMI).
EICMA CEO Paolo Magri and President Pietro Meda expressed their satisfaction: “This first edition was a success. The public’s response confirms just how alive and engaged the off-road world is. Even more significant was seeing so many youngsters live their first experiences in the saddle here.” The debut has also provided useful feedback to help the format grow further.
Ottobiano is not a finish line but the first step of a new event for the off-road community, already looking ahead to future editions.
