The World Superbike traditional pre-race media event took place at an unusual location in Assen this morning, when riders and journalists were guests at the Sunrise Stables riding school just a few minutes away from the TT Circuit. Assembled riders were given a warm welcome by the Mayor of Assen before being allowed to get their hands on a different type of horsepower than what they are normally used to.

Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati), Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare), Roberto Rolfo (Kawasaki Pedercini), Jakub Smrz (Effenbert-Liberty Racing Ducati), Ruben Xaus (Castrol Honda), Barry Veneman (BMW Motorrad Italia SBK) and Luca Scassa (Yamaha ParkinGO) were first given a demonstration of the new Olympic discipline of reining by an instructor from the Dutch National squad.

The riders then stepped up to the mark for a brief ride on horseback, starting with Fabrizio, who had never ridden a horse before but who easily mastered the first lessons. The Italian was followed by Carlos Checa, who has a lot more experience with horses, and then by all the others.