From the ‘Can’t Make This Stuff Up’ File:
Five-time World Champion searches the streets and canals of Venice on a mission to find his bike
Ahead of the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (Ducati Team) made a detour with a difference as he headed for the stunning city of Venice in northern Italy, on a mission to find his Desmosedici before lights out at Mugello.
Arriving on a gondola, Lorenzo’s quest began in the Casino and with a Venetian mask, giving the Spaniard a taste of Carnivale – a spectacular event every year that sees Venice come alive with masks and costumes. But after a glimpse at the awe-inspiring tradition in the piazzas and cobbled streets intertwined with the canals, it was time for the next clue.
Moving through the Casino, the Ducati rider then found a plate hand-made by the incredible glass workers of Murano, an island in the lagoon known for its intricate crafts and glass-blowing. From Murano back to the Casino, Lorenzo then found his helmet – putting it on and finally unlocking the secrets of La Serenissima.
Heading to the stunning St Mark’s square, Lorenzo’s Ducati was waiting for him in the heart of Venice, where the lagoon meets the city and some of its biggest landmarks rise up from the water. Reunited in the shadow of the Campanile, the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica, the five-time Mugello winner’s Desmosedici was moored on the edge of the Grand Canal waiting for him, ready to race once again.
Now it’s next stop Mugello, in the equally-stunning Tuscan hills near Florence – get ready for the Italian GP this weekend.
Jorge Lorenzo: “To be here helps to not think too much about the race, which is important. Venice is a unique place, there’s nothing like it! It’s the second time I’ve been and this time I’ve been able to discover more of the city – it’s like a weekend day here, with so many people! It’s amazing how the city has stayed in this condition over the years, it’s an incredible city.
“I think the last two races have been better, because I’ve found something on the bike with the new pieces Ducati brought to Jerez that have made me more comfortable. The results weren’t fantastic because of the crash in Jerez and losing positions in Le Mans, but we’re found our speed again and we just need to finish the race with a good result. It will be another race I’ll try to do my best, I would like to win of course but I don’t race alone and there are a lot of fast riders – but I’ll do my best to stay near the top.”
