Nine-time World Motocross Champion Tony Cairoli has selected Ducati’s cutting-edge Powerstage RR e-bike for his training regimen, signaling a growing trend in the integration of electric bicycle technology with traditional motorsports preparation.
Cairoli, who is currently spearheading the development of Ducati’s Desmo450 MX motocross bike alongside Alessandro Lupino, recognizes the crucial role of physical conditioning in the demanding world of motocross.
The Powerstage RR, a limited-edition e-enduro bike with only 230 units produced, boasts a full carbon fiber frame—a first for Ducati in the e-enduro category. It features a powerful Shimano EP801 motor, Öhlins suspension, and a 12-speed SRAM electronic gearbox, all designed to deliver peak performance on extreme terrain.
Experts highlight several benefits of e-bike training for motocross athletes. These include improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced endurance, and increased leg strength—all critical factors for maintaining control and concentration throughout grueling races. The pedal-assist feature allows riders to maintain more consistent heart rates during training, even on challenging elevation changes, and enables longer, more varied training sessions.
Cairoli’s choice of the Powerstage RR appears to be paying off. He recently clinched victory in the opening race of the Italian Motocross Pro-Prestige Championship at Ponte a Egola, despite challenging course conditions.
Ducati is seizing this opportunity to showcase its dual commitment to high-performance motorcycles and e-bikes. The company plans to exhibit both Cairoli’s Powerstage RR and the prototype Desmo 450MX at two upcoming events: the World Ducati Week from July 26-28 and the Italian Bike Festival at the Misano circuit from September 13-15.
This collaboration between a motocross champion and a renowned motorcycle manufacturer underscores the evolving landscape of motorsports training. As electric bicycle technology continues to advance, we may see more top-tier athletes incorporating e-bikes into their preparation routines, blurring the lines between traditional motorsports and emerging electric mobility solutions.