The 67th edition of the EICMA Milan bike four-day show ended on September 21, 2009. EICMA Bicycle 2009 was Inaugurated by Italy’s Minister of Environment Ms. Stefania Prestigiacomo, on September 18, 2009.

During the Opening Ceremony of the 67th EICMA, Italian Minister for the Environment Stefania Prestigiacomo announced a very important initiative to motivate people to the everyday use of bicycles. “It is going to be the first National Bicycle Day– the Minister explained – and it will be held on the first Sunday of May 2010. We would like it to be a celebration day for the families, who will have the chance to ride through the city, and a way to motivate people to make a major use of this ecologic means of transportation.”

The general comments were positive regarding the number of visitors to the show and for the business done with dealers and other professionals. All the exhibitors confirm the importance of the new economic incentives announced by Italian Environment Minister Stefania Prestigiacomo on the opening day of the show.

"I think it's gone well," Cristiano De Rosa of the prestigious De Rosa frame building company said. "On Friday and Saturday the stands were invaded by the public. It went better than expected and we sealed some important deals with new dealers in Italy and created some interesting contacts in the rest of the world. We've even sold some frame in New Zealand! The idea of the economic incentives is also paying off. It's good to hear the Government is so supportive."

There was also positive feedback from bike manufacturer Olmo, who confirmed September as the right time for the Italian domestic market. "For us, the best bike show is in Milan!" CEO Paolo Olmo made clear. The EICMA Milan bike show was popular with the public and professional visitors such as dealers and key company players. 45,000 visitors filled the stands during the four days. Small changes will be made to the show hours but it is clear that the tradition and experience of the Milan EICMA show will be the key for the future.

At the show, there was a strong feeling that the bicycle is finally recovering its status as the best way of local transport, even in Italy. Dealers, importers and manufacturers appreciated the efforts of the ANCMA industrial association during the show, as they help fight the difficult economic moment, especially regarding the new economic incentives announced by the Italian Ministry of the Environment.


The final day of the show was especially interesting, with a large number of dealers visiting the show. They were able to see all the new products for 2010 and discuss orders, and also rub shoulders with many stars of cycling before they traveled to Switzerland for the world championships. A special prize was also awarded to Italian cycling commentator Auro Bulbarelli by Cicli Elios Aldo Micco of Look Italy was happy that thousands of visitors leave the show happy. Riccardo Magrini, the Marketing Manager of the Rivolta parts distribution company noted the importance of contact and entertaining clients. "We have to be happy. The Milan show is always a winner because success depends on its strategic position in Milan. That allows us to give clients and visitors an excellent welcome and hospitality. Milan is a great city for entertaining," he said.

"The exhibitors have told us they're really pleased and so has the public" EICMA Director Costantino Ruggiero said. "We'll hold the same type of show next September and we expect it'll be even more successful.

" The experiment has work and the EICMA Milan bike show will be back in 2010 with the date set for September 17-20. The idea of holding a more compact show just for the bicycle and accessory sector has paid off, despite some strong rivalry.