THE ALL-ITALIAN DUO THAT WILL TAKE ON WORLD SUPERBIKE ESTABLISHES ITSELF AT PORTIMAO 

Portimao, 20 January 2014 - The Portuguese Portimao track was the setting for the first tests of the season held by Aprilia Racing, the reigning Manufacturer World Champion team, concentrated on three days of testing with newcomer Marco Melandri, working side by side with test rider Alex Hofmann.

For the rider from Ravenna, the natural candidate for a key role in the World Championship that will start on 23 February in Australia, this was the first contact with his Aprilia RSV4 since the winter break. After regaining some familiarity with it, Marco focused on preparing for the first race of the season. Despite difficult weather conditions, with rain on the first two days and an average of low temperatures, the Italian team was able to take advantage of the session to fine tune the bike that is the reigning Manufacturer world champion.

The intermittent rain on the first two days of testing forced the riders to lap in less than optimum conditions. The third and final day, on the other hand, allowed everyone to push hard, with the obvious limit of a track which was cold and not very rubberised.

Over the three days Melandri put in 175 laps with a best time of 1'43.1.

Sylvain Guintoli was absent from the Portimao tests, having just come through the second operation on his right shoulder which he injured last year. The return of the French rider, who is going through physical therapy, is expected for the first race at Phillip Island. The Superbike Test Team was also in the Aprilia garage with test rider Alex Hofmann (150 laps, best 1'45.0).

Marco Melandri: "Considering the difficult weather conditions, the first two days were a bit wasted. The last day was a particular day. We made a lot of progress with the electronics but we had a few problems with the chassis set up. The track improved little by little and the settings had trouble coping. Toward the end of the test we began to figure out which direction to go for my riding style, but it's a shame that we lost the last half hour (due to oil on the track - editor's note) where we could have tried to put in a fast lap. I'm disappointed about that but the good thing is that we have a clearer idea now. I hope we can get back onto the track for some more testing before the first round at Phillip Island".

Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Manager: "During these three days first of all we decided on the 2014 suspension which was one of our goals. Melandri was also positive about the electronics updates, where the chassis set up is concerned there is still work to be done to adapt the RSV4 to the rider's needs. We're on the right path but we still need to take that final step to define a base set up that will allow us to take best advantage of the bike-rider package".

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Sales, revenue and the number of employees increased strongly again.

•Sales: 123,859 units (+ 15.6%)
•Revenue: 716.3 mio. EUR ( +17.0%)
•Employees: 1,849 (+150 employees compared to prior year)
Mattighofen, January 17 , 2014

2013 was a record year in KTM’s history. Sales, revenue and the number of employees increased again strongly. 


Sales and revenue on record level 

By consequently implementing the global product strategy and the expansion in the growth markets Asia and South America, KTM increased both sales and revenue and achieved a record year in 2013. 


Therefore, KTM is the fastest growing motorcycle brand in the world for already three years.


In the business year 2013, KTM sold 123,859 bikes worldwide and could therefore increase sales by 15.6% compared to previous year. Revenue could be increased in the same period by 17.0% to 716.3 mio. EUR. Therefore, KTM expects a record result for the business year 2013. 


Record employment at the headquarter in Mattighofen
As of December 31 , 1,849 people were employed at the KTM group 
worldwide, which is a record employment. To further realize the global growth, KTM’s headcount was increased by 150 people in the business year 2013. 


Outlook 2014 

KTM will continue to follow the global product strategy and expects further increases in revenue and sales for the business year 2014.

Ace Cafe London is delighted to be able to confirm attendance, with stand and display celebrating cafe racers and speed, at the forthcoming annual Motorbike Expo Verona 24th - 26th January.

This not to be missed mid-winter show attracts thousands of riders checking out the new bikes, trends and gear on display in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere and this year includes a special "Cafe Racer" display as well as many award ceremonies for Italy's 2013 championship plus an outdoor arena featuring stunt shows, demonstrations and demo rides.

The Ace presence and display at the Verona Fiere includes with Red Torpedo, sponsors of the Isle of Man TT's road racing "Red Riders", amongst whom is the "Ramsey Rocket" Conor Cummins, who will be joining us at the show! Mondocorse will also be flying the flag for IoM.

Unique motorcycles displayed include from Brough Superior, with Mark Upham, CEO of Brough Superior Motorcycles Ltd on hand to answer your questions, two wheeled Triumph Specials from Italy's renowned "Mr Martini", Ace bikes and an array of Ace Cafe, Rockers and StoMoCo items, together with the all new Ace 75th Bookazine and the recently published and critically acclaimed seminal book "Ace Times - Speed thrills and tea spills, a cafe and a culture" by author Mick Duckworth.

Mark Wilsmore will be available to sign copies of the books - stop by and say hello

Hall: 1
Stand No. 8R

www.motorbikeexpo.it
www.mrmartini.it
www.cinehollywood.com
www.brough-superior.com
www.redtorpedo.com
www.ace-cafe-london.com

Spanish TT racer Antonio Maeso, who was injured in the 2013 Superbike TT in an accident at the Black Hut, has been given Spain's 'penguin of the year' award for being 'an example of bravery and spirit.'

He picked up the award, sponsored by Motociclismo magazine, at the 33rd edition of the annual "Pingüinos de oro" (Golden Penguins) - a classic bike event, which took place last Sunday at Puente Duero near Valladolid, in Spain.

The trophy, which has previously only been awarded to world champions, has a huge profile within Spain's motorcycling community. Antonio had previously been awarded the 'penguin of honour' for his 2013 TT races campaign.

Other winners this year included Alex Criville, Spain's first 500cc world champion, who was awarded with the ‘Legend' Golden Penguin and Maverick Vinales and Carlos Checa, Spain's only world Superbike champion to date, who both won Golden Penguins.

Commenting on his fitness battle, Antonio said: "It's been a tough battle. I've been doing three hours of physio a day since September and I'm progressing quite well. I've been told that I'll need at least six more months of recovery following the same programme before I can even consider getting back on a bike so I definitely won't be able to make this year's TT."