Still eight months before the opening of the 59th edition of the International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show (Milan Fair, September 18-23, 2001), and as many as 164 new requests to participate - 101 for the motorcycle and 63 for the bicycle sector for a total net exhibition area of 5,386 square meters - have been received by show organizers. This is in addition to letters of confirmation from virtually all of the exhibitors that were present at the previous edition. The new requests have come in from 24 different countries and from every continent. Organizers note that the contribution from far Eastern countries is particularly impressive.

At this point, all available space has been "sold out", according to the event organizers. Applications received after the deadline of January 15 had to be placed on a waiting list, whilst the organizers reconsider the exhibition layout in order to optimize the use of space and to position the products of special interest over the different pavilions.

Also of note regarding the show is an entire exhibiting sector that will be dedicated to "2 Wheeler Tourisma". Additionally, the interactive Web CD (which allows for direct connections to all exhibitors' web sites) will be given free of charge to all visitors.

On Tuesday, September 18, the inauguration day of EICMA 2001, access to the show will be reserved for the Italian and international press and to trade visitors from abroad, whilst the show will be open to the public from Thursday, September 20 to Sunday, September 23.

For further information on the show, visit http://www.eicma.it.