As well as the official Versys 650 Kawasaki will supply other models, a total of 30 machines in all, in order to better cover all the race direction/organization needs – such as relay race inspectors, support teams, medical teams etc., during the prestigious cycle race through Italy. The Versys 650 was chosen because is highly reliable machine, which has already been tested and approved by the Giro riding staff who help support the 3.383 km long race in the most arduous conditions imaginable. The Versys is a byword for versatility and reliability making it a match for any of the conditions it will meet next month.
 
To launch the new initiative legendary cyclist Damiano Cunego from the NIPPO-Vini Fantini team was a guest of the official KRT Team and spent time with enthusiastic cyclist Jonathan Rea. ‘JR’ received the new official NIPPO-Vini Fantini team jersey and riding gear from Damiano, while Cunego left Imola with the pair of racing boots that Jonathan used to win both WorldSBK races at Assen recently.
 
Jonathan Rea stated: “I exchanged some riding kit with Damiano, who is a legend in the cycling world and who won the Giro d’Italia. He is a really nice guy and this was the first time I had met him. It was nice that Kawasaki and WorldSBK made this crossover between Superbike and cycling. I have a lot of passion for cycling and do a lot of my training on the bicycle. I have become friends with a few professional cyclists and I know their world quite well. I have huge respect for them in the time they put in during training and the sacrifice they make to get to the top. It was cool to make something together and ride together and share our experiences. I hope we will keep in touch and if I can get to the Giro this year maybe I can visit him on one of the stages.”
 
Damiano Cunego stated: “I am a great fan of racing, both car and Superbike. But I did not get to know it personally until today. Jonathan I am surprised about after our ride today. The Impression I had from TV is more than confirmed. We are linked by the same hobby and both of us work with great Japanese professionals, like my colleagues at NIPPO and Kawasaki in Jonathan’s case. I am not surprised he is world champion. He is a real rider at the top of performance, riding any bike. Today, while we rode together, he was explaining all the secrets of the track and I think he can win this weekend. I want to thank Dorna and Kawasaki for the opportunity to be here today and ride on the Imola track. This confirms me as a fan of Kawasaki and Jonathan. I would like to see him ride the roads we use for the Giro d’Italia race, which now starts in one week. That will be my time to be the protagonist looking for a stage victory.”