The Ducati DesertX has achieved an impressive victory in the highly competitive twin-cylinder category of the renowned Erzbergrodeo. The Erzbergrodeo is a prestigious motorcycle enduro event in Austria. The Desmosedici GP and Pecco Bagnaia showcased their dominance at the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix in Mugello.
However, the Ducati machine fearlessly faced the challenging terrain of the demanding Austrian iron ore quarry race. This remarkable victory highlights Ducati’s versatility and prowess which solidifies their best bike brand reputation in the world of motorcycling.
Performance of Ducati and Meo in the Iron Road Prolog Racing Event
The Iron Road Prolog serves as the qualifying race for the prestigious “Rodeo” event, attracting a massive participation of over 1200 riders. This challenging race is divided into two sessions with an incredibly fast ascent of 13.5 km with a 600-meter gradient. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most fiercely contested and eagerly anticipated races of the entire event. Meo and the DesertX showcased their dominance in the Prolog, securing a remarkable double victory in the twin-cylinder category.
During Friday’s race, Meo established an impressive lead of 12 seconds over his closest rival. And in the subsequent Saturday race, the margin grew to an astounding 20 seconds. These victories highlighted the overwhelming potential of the Borgo Panigale twin. As DesertX showcased its exceptional sporting characteristics on one of the world’s most demanding courses. The race not only emphasized the performance of the Ducati powertrain but also underscored the remarkable quality of its chassis.
About the Mitas Rocket Ride Racing Event
The Mitas Rocket Ride is a thrilling race for both the single-cylinder and twin-cylinder bikes. This race has witnessed an intense battle among 277 riders on a challenging uphill track. The race format consisted of two-timed practice sessions that determines the 48 fastest riders advancing to compete in heats of 6. It starts from a gate in a motocross-style format. The competition followed a knock-out system, where only the top 3 riders would progress from each round.
Antoine Meo started from the qualifying phase and secured an impressive 16th position out of other 277 participants. He continued to excel and finished 2nd in the last-16 round, followed by a 3rd-place finish in the quarterfinals. And he has also secured another second-place finish in the semifinals. These outstanding performances earned him a spot in the Superfinal, making him the sole rider on a twin-cylinder bike to achieve this feat.
Modifications in Ducati Desert X for the racing event
In preparation for the challenging Erzbergrodeo, Meo’s DesertX underwent specific modifications to enhance its off-road performance. The fork and mono-shock were adjusted to provide increased suspension travel, ensuring better handling over rough terrains. The choice of Metzeler Six Days Extreme tires, specially designed for extreme enduro racing, further improved traction, and durability. To complete DesertX’s preparation, a Termignoni racing exhaust and a skid plate from the Ducati Performance catalog were installed.
Additionally, the Centro Stile Ducati designed a special livery for DesertX, incorporating the iconic white, black, and red colors of MotoGP. The versatility of the DesertX is showcased in its robust chassis featuring a steel trellis frame with long suspension travel. These are suitable for various terrains but also in their triple homologation for tires. This allows riders to choose between different options, catering to their preferences, either for off-road-oriented or on-road-oriented performance.
About Ducati DesertX Powertrain, Tyres, and Other details
The DesertX stands as Ducati’s first-ever bike equipped with a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel. It is designed explicitly to conquer the most demanding off-road terrains. Combining dedicated off-road development with Ducati’s renowned road expertise, this motorcycle offers remarkable responsiveness and agility on any surface. Through its ergonomics and aerodynamic studies, the DesertX excels in its natural off-road habitat while providing comfort, ease, and safety.
At the heart of this machine lies the beloved liquid-cooled 937 cc Testastretta 11° desmodromic engine. This engine produces 110 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The manufacturer has optimized it for precise gear shifting, complemented by the introduction of two Riding Modes for off-road riding. The bike has a fuel tank capacity exceeding 21 liters and the option to mount an additional 8-liter rear tank as an accessory. It is available in two captivating liveries, the elegant Matt Star White Silk and the striking “RR22.”