Bagger World Cup: The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup takes another step forward with the addition of Andrea Iannone as tenth rider in the entry list, who will join the championship from the Italian GP at Mugello with Niti Racing.
Following a highly competitive opening round in Austin, highlighted by Oscar Gutiérrez’s victory in Race 2, Niti Racing further strengthens its line-up by bringing in the experienced Italian rider, expanding to a three-bike effort alongside Gutiérrez and Dimas Ekky Pratama.
One of the most recognisable names in modern motorcycle racing, Iannone is a former race winner in both MotoGP™ and the FIM Superbike World Championship, bringing with him top-level experience, natural speed, and a bold competitive mindset. Known for his aggressive riding style and strong race instincts, he is expected to be an immediate contender at the front.
Iannone’s arrival brings the total number of riders on the Bagger World Cup grid to ten, reinforcing the depth and competitiveness of the inaugural season. He will make his debut on the race-prepared Harley-Davidson machines at the MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Italy at Mugello from May 29–31, and is set to compete in the remaining rounds of the championship through to the season finale in Austria.
At a venue already known for delivering one of the most engaging spectator experiences in motorsport, the presence of Andrea Iannone, alongside fellow Italian Filippo Rovelli (ParkinGO Team), adds a further layer of excitement to the Mugello weekend. Italian supporters will have even more reasons to connect with the championship and its protagonists. From the Harley-Davidson Village to the unique opportunity to access the Bagger World Cup garages, which are open to the public, and the dedicated grandstand at Correntaio, the experience is designed to bring people closer than ever to the action, offering a truly immersive and distinctly Harley-Davidson way to live MotoGP™.
Andrea Iannone – Niti Racing rider
“I like challenges, especially when they take you out of your comfort zone. This is something completely different, and that’s exactly why I said yes. I’m truly excited to begin this new chapter, as I’ve always admired Harley-Davidson and its iconic riders’ community, which plays such an important role in the scene. It’s a category that embodies adrenaline, spectacle, and a genuine passion for riding and for life. These bikes have a strong personality, you have to respect them, but at the same time you can push them hard. In that sense, we are quite similar, and I think that’s why this project fits me well. I’m also approaching this first race without having tested the bike, and with one less test than the others. That reflects my mindset, I embrace challenges and actively look for them. Mugello is the perfect place to start, in front of the Italian fans, on a track I know very well. I’m not coming here just to participate. I want to understand the bike quickly and be competitive straight away. Let’s see what we can do. On a more personal note, I feel a strong connection with Indonesia. I truly appreciate its people, and I’m excited to begin this journey together with Niti Racing and this community.”
Angela Khuu – Team Manager, Niti Racing
“After a very positive start to the season in Austin, adding Andrea to our line-up is a natural step to keep building momentum. We already have a strong base with Oscar and Dimas, and bringing in a rider with Andrea’s experience and speed gives us an additional dimension as a team. We are excited to see how quickly he adapts to the bike and to start working together already in Mugello.”
Jeffrey Schuessler – Director of Global Racing Programs, Harley-Davidson
“Bringing a rider like Andrea into the championship is a strong statement about what we are building with the Bagger World Cup. He’s a proven race winner at the highest level, with the kind of talent and personality that adds even more energy to the grid. This is exactly the type of profile we want to attract as the championship continues to grow. Mugello will be a great place to see him start this new chapter on Niti Racing’s third bike, further strengthening an already competitive line-up alongside Oscar Gutiérrez and Dimas Ekky Pratama.”
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About the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup
The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will be the world’s first global racing series dedicated exclusively to high-performance Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles, competing as a premier support championship on select MotoGP™ weekends across North America and Europe.
Bagger World Cup race bikes are built on Harley-Davidson’s Grand American Touring platform, transformed by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing into purpose-built competition machines.
Each motorcycle features:
- A race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles featuring a Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin 131R race-modified motor
- Purpose-built chassis, suspension, braking, and electronics packages
- Extensive weight reduction and aerodynamic development
- Performance levels exceeding 200 horsepower, with top speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph)
The result is a visually striking and technically sophisticated race bike that delivers a unique blend of American V-twin character, global-level performance, and unmistakable on-track presence, unlike anything currently competing on the MotoGP™ calendar.
About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
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