Ducati makes a big leap into cycling: signs Nibali and announces a new range of road, gravel, and e-MTB for 2026

Ducati has confirmed a move that could alter the landscape of high-end cycling. The Borgo Panigale brand will expand its presence in this sector with the launch of a new generation of road, gravel, and e-MTB bikes that will begin to be presented starting in March 2026. An ambitious project developed alongside Gruppo Zecchetto, the same structure that encompasses DMT, Alè, and Diamant Compositi, and which will have the direct participation of three key figures in Italian cycling: Elia Viviani, Vincenzo Nibali, and Lorenzo Suding.

Ducati makes a big entry into cycling: new range of road, gravel, and e-MTB from March 2026 with Viviani, Nibali, and Suding

Ducati has been flirting with cycling since its entry into the e-bike market in 2018, but this new chapter represents a qualitative leap. The brand wants to transfer its most recognizable DNA to the pedal, combining style, performance, and driving precision. The alliance with Diamant, a specialist in composites and advanced product development, provides the technical foundation for this.

The result will be a wider range than ever of "muscular" road bikes, new gravel models, and a renewed family of e-MTBs fueled by the experience accumulated in competitions and in the motorcycle sector. There will also be specific lines of accessories and technical equipment designed for each discipline.

For this rebirth of the segment, Ducati has gathered three references to ensure that each area of the project has real competition experience.

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Elia Viviani, a former cyclist and newly incorporated into the technical staff of INEOS, will serve as the global consultant for the project. After closing his professional career, he brings his high-level vision and technical sensitivity both on the road and on the track. He will oversee all phases of development.

Vincenzo Nibali, one of the few cyclists capable of winning the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta, will focus on the road range and associated sports projects. His contribution aims to ensure that future Ducati models meet the demands of top competition.

In the off-road section, the brand will rely on the expertise of Lorenzo Suding, a prominent figure in Italian downhill and a deep connoisseur of modern MTB. He will be the reference for the development of the upcoming racing-oriented e-MTBs.

Although Ducati has not shown any prototypes, the statement points to a very defined path. The combination of experience from Viviani, Nibali, and Suding invites thoughts of performance-oriented gravel bikes, with modern geometries, good capability to roll fast on mixed terrain, and solutions typical of brands with a strong sports culture: clean integration, careful aerodynamics, and great stability on descents.

In e-MTB, the direction seems to be aggressive models with a competitive spirit, created alongside carbon specialists and tested by riders accustomed to the most technical descents.

For Ducati, this collaboration with Diamant S.r.l. represents a consolidation of its real presence in the cycling market with a partner that masters materials, design, and production within the sector. For Diamant, working with a motor icon is an opportunity to bring its expertise to products that combine advanced engineering and a unique aesthetic identity.

Both Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, and Philippe Zecchetto, CEO of Diamant, emphasize that the project is born from shared values and a common commitment to excellence.