“One day. Two events. One shared story of cultural dialogue,” says FIVA Vice President for Youth and Culture Nataša G. Jerina, who developed the very concept of the project and worked on it for nearly a year. “When, in 2022, I had the honour on behalf of FIVA to present the Municipality of Nova Gorica and AMD Gorica with the prestigious FIVA Cultural Award for their outstanding work in preserving mobile technical heritage, I knew this was not just recognition of past achievements – it was confirmation of a mission that looks into the future. The club and the city earned the award by reviving the tradition of the former city motorcycle race. Today, that spirit lives on in the unique parade of historic racing motorcycles, which every year at the end of August bring the city streets – and memories – back to life.”
This year’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the first motorcycle race in Nova Gorica provided an opportunity to present the motorcycling traditions of both cities – including Gorizia (Italy) – to a wider public and to connect them. Races on both sides of the border have for decades served as a meeting point for enthusiasts, communities, and traditions, preserved today with admirable dedication by local clubs. Their long-standing efforts are not merely organizational – they are a cultural mission, keeping alive the stories, people, and vehicles that marked the local and European landscape. Motorcycling has connected the two cities like threads in the fabric of time – from the roar of engines were born stories that still whisper through memories and echo in the hearts of those who lived them.
After the Second World War, a political border divided the Gorizia region, creating a physical separation between historic Gorizia, which remained in Italy, and Nova Gorica, which rose on the Yugoslav side as a substitute urban centercentre right at the border. Yet where borders once stood, today a space of cooperation, dialogue, and peace is emerging. Nova Gorica and Gorizia now form a joint European twin-city – a symbol of connection and overcoming historical divides.
“The idea of connecting people – and in the past, politically divided cities – through their shared history of motorcycling seemed so valuable to me that I presented it more than a year ago to the Slovenian Secretary-General for UNESCO, Mr. Gašper Hrastelj. He immediately understood its importance and offered full support to the project. Until the very end I did not quite believe we would succeed, but UNESCO recognized the event’s significance and, in its letter of patronage, clearly stated that this is a project of great cultural and social importance, as it promotes transnational dialogue and industrial heritage,” said Nataša G. Jerina.
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, local clubs organized two parallel events: in the morning in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, led by AMD Gorica and the Slovenian Federation for Historic Vehicles SVAMZ, the /FIVA national representative ; and in the afternoon in Gorizia, Italy, with the support of Moto Club Pino Medeot, Moto Club Trieste, the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM), and Automotoclub Storico Italiano (the Italian Federation for Historic Vehicles - ‘ASI’) the national representative of /FIVA. Yet the story was one of unity among alland the same: it was the story of cultural dialogue.
In the morning, historic vehicles and racing motorcycles filled the streets of Nova Gorica. Nearly 300 participants with vehicles and at least 2,000 spectators followed the event. After the rides and welcome speeches from the mayors of both cities, Mr. Svetina from the Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency, MEP Zala Tomažič, FIVA Vice President and representative Luigi Frigerio, and the presidents of SVAMZ (Franc Škrjanec) and AMD Gorica (Miran Mozetič), a commemorative plaque was unveiled, designed by architect Petja Grom and sponsored by SVAMZ. Time was also devoted to honouring the riders who once competed on the very streets of Nova Gorica and who attended the event – some even with their original motorcycles. AMD Gorica presented them with special awards.
In the afternoon, the program continued in Gorizia at the castle, where local clubs hosted a conference on the evolution development of motorcycling, with none other than the legendary Benito Battilani as a keynote speaker. The prototype of the Galbusera V8 motorcycle was presented, along with a book on the famous rider Marama Toyo. Furthermore, and the history of the Gorizia club, which has been active for over a century 100 years, was came under discussion. Great interest was also sparked by a presentation on biofuels given by ASI Green Commission President Francesco Di Lauro. The conference not only drew around 800 attendees, but was also highlighted by a number of while early 20th-century vehicles and several exceptionally rare motorcycles weaving occasionally among the audience, shifting ed attention from the speakers back to the machines themselves.
With the creation of the ASI Green commission, ASI has sought to secure a sustainable future for historic motoring and to prove that vehicles between 20 and 100 years old can achieve climate neutrality without being confined to museums. This initiative gave rise to the Net-zero Classic program, which highlights that although the emissions of historic vehicles are negligible, it is still worthwhile to address them in a life-cycle perspective. By using second-generation biofuels, the net carbon footprint can be reduced by more than 80% proving that historic vehicles and the environment can co-exist side by side.
FIVA has also been closely following these best practices and, during the 2025 FIVA World Motorcycle Rally held by ASI, supported the trial use of biofuels in three ASI motorcycles. Joining together with veteran ASI motorcycle riders Sergio Pellandini and Stefano Zuban Among the riders was Iranian motorcyclist, instructor, and activist Maryam Talaee (associate member of the FIVA Motorcycle Commission and the special guest of the conference in Gorizia), who promotes independence, and development of skill sets and higher education, especially for young people and women, both at home and abroad. Her participation drew significant media attention. The success of this project inspired the idea of a permanent ‘Green Dream Team’ program, which will serve to promote from 2026 onwards will serve as an ambassador for sustainable historic motoring at various events, resulting in the Gorizia event now being the second outing for the team. The team is now with the potential to expanding into cars the automotive sector as well as exemplified by the fact that Maryam Talaee piloted a biofuel powered 1972 Porsche 911S. at the Stella Alpina Rally held from September 5- 7, 2025.
“This year’s event carries even greater weight, as it takes place under the patronage of UNESCO and the symbolic and substantive recognition of the “GO! Borderless” initiative, which highlights the importance of shared cultural heritage, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable development,” added Nataša G. Jerina.
Sunday, August 31, 2025, will not only be remembered only as a celebration of historic motorcycles – but also as a platform for international cultural exchange, for promoting not only sustainable practices (including the use of alternative fuels) as well as, and for strengthening bonds between generations. Through a rich accompanying program, educational content, and the collaboration of numerous partners, the two cities became a meeting place for people from across Europe and beyond.
The focus on young people, free access for all visitors, and the exceptional energy of participants made it clear that this was not just another event – it was a movement embodying UNESCO’s mission: to promote understanding, cooperation, and lasting peace through culture.
Photo by Anej Ferko
Text by G.P.J.
