In its most emblematic year, the brand’s centenary, Ducati pays tribute to its roots at World Ducati Week 2026 with a specific event: the Heritage Contest. a space dedicated to showing the historical and cultural heritage of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. It will be one of the main attractions of the largest Ducati world meeting, which will take place from July 3 to 5 at the Misano World Circuit.
The central axis of the Heritage Village will be this official competition dedicated to Ducati road motorcycles manufactured up to the year 2000, which will invite collectors and fans to share the stories their motorcycles treasure. The competition will offer an exceptional setting in which to showcase their timeless charm and highlight what makes each one of them unique.
Ducati Heritage Contest in detail
The Heritage Contest will take place in several phases throughout the weekend. On Friday, July 3, the entered motorcycles will be evaluated by a technical jury made up of representatives of motorcycle associations, Ducati experts and a legendary Ducati rider. The jury will select ten finalists based on criteria such as authenticity and originality, state of conservation, quality of restoration, aesthetic quality and design, as well as historical and documentary value.
Starting on Saturday, July 4, the selected motorcycles will be displayed in the Heritage Village and will be evaluated by the participants in the event, who will be invited to vote for their favorites and thus help determine the final classification. The winners of the Heritage Contest will be announced on Sunday, July 5 on the WDW main stage. Commemorative Ducati prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.
Likewise, the technical jury will also award a special prize to the motorcycle that stands out for its exceptional historical importance: a historic, signed Ducati Corse fairing. The ten finalists of the Heritage Contest will also receive a Borgo Panigale Experience, which will allow them to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the place where Ducati motorcycles were born.
In addition to the motorcycles competing in the competition, the Heritage Village will also host other historic Ducatis brought to Misano by fans. Owners of Ducati models manufactured up to the year 2000 will have access to an exclusive secure parking area that, throughout WDW, will become an extraordinary outdoor exhibition.
A unique exhibition, with motorcycles that span different eras in Ducati’s history and that are still alive today thanks to the passion and dedication of their owners. This tour of Ducati’s legacy is completed with the exhibition “100 years, 100 stories, a legend”, which reviews a century of Ducati history through one hundred milestones that have marked the evolution of the company.
From the victories that left their mark on the world of motorcycling to the technological innovations that redefined performance and the models that helped forge Ducati’s distinctive design identity, the exhibition will offer a unique perspective of the brand through its most significant moments.
The Heritage Village is a place where past and present come together to bring to life the stories, people and bikes that have helped shape the Ducati legend. It offers visitors the opportunity to relive memorable moments, share their passion and rediscover some of the milestones that have made the history of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer unique.
The story of Ducati’s centenary would not be complete without the people who helped write some of its most important chapters. Ducati legends – like Casey Stoner, Loris Capirossi, Troy Bayliss, or Carl Fogarty– will have a leading role, both on and off the track.
Starting with the traditional Lap of Honorone of the most emotional and anticipated moments of the World Ducati Week, in which the Ducati champions of the past will once again parade around the circuit before thousands of fans. At the Heritage Village, they will also take part in meetings, interviews and panel discussions, giving visitors the opportunity to relive some of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer’s greatest sporting achievements.
The Village will be open to the public during the three days of World Ducati Week, from 9:00 to 18:30. For more information about this, the Heritage Contest or the World Ducati Week activities program, you can directly access the event’s official website.
