The presence of MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo at Motorcycle Trade Expo on Monday (21 January) was an unprecented success in the show’s 18 year history.
The double world champion put up with six hours of flight delays to attend Europe’s leading trade show held at the NEC, Birmingham (20-22 January). The delays meant Lorenzo flew in unaccompanied from Venice, arriving in the early hours of Monday morning.
Despite lack of sleep, he was in top form and delighted showgoers with the way he answered questions from the stage and then participated in a question and answer session with the crowd. His answers were calm and considered and peppered with humour which put everyone at their ease.
During the afternoon he spent time on the Alpinestars and Oxford Products stands, putting himself at the disposal of Alpinestars and Oxford dealers, as well as the show crowd in general, signing posters and autographs and being photographed with show visitors.
The Expo audience appreciated having such easy and intimate access to the champion, whose visit was arranged by Alpinestars following a suggestion by Oxford to invite Lorenzo. Alpinestars recently signed a sponsorship agreement with Lorenzo, and HJC Helmets (which are distributed in the UK by Oxford Products) announced its sponsorship deal with the two-time MotoGP Champion at the show.
Both companies celebrate anniversaries in 2013 – Alpinestars 50 years and Oxford 40 years. Oxford services a network of dealers for Alpinestars, the motorcycle world’s leading clothing manufacturer.
After his appearance at Expo Lorenzo tweeted and posted on Facebook “At the Birmingham’s motorcycle Expo for Alpinestars. Always very kind fans in UK,” along with posting a pic of his time at Expo.
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