IT will be a case of the star of Two Women meeting two-wheelers at BikeAsia 2008 next month.

Italian beauty Sophia Loren (top picture) will be in Singapore from 9 to 11 Apr.

On 10 Apr, the sex symbol of the 1960s will launch the opening ceremony of the first International Trade Show and Exhibition of Bicycles, Motorbikes and accessories in Asia.

Mr Roberto Fabbri, managing director of BikeAsia, told The New Paper why the 73-year-old actress was picked to grace the show: "Sophia Loren is an icon of the Italian movie industry and she stands for what is fashionable, classy and graceful.

"She's a continuity of style, which BikeAsia is associated with. Bikes have become a choice, a brand and a lifestyle."

Mr Fabbri, 56, said he was still finalising details of Loren's appearance.

She will also be attending a dinner hosted by the Italian Trade Commission here.

Loren got into acting after joining a beauty contest.

She broke into Hollywood in the late 1950s with films such as The Pride And The Passion, attained international fame after sealing a five-picture deal with Paramount Pictures and worked with leading men such as Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Paul Newman and Marlon Brando.

In 1960, she won a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Two Women.

BikeAsia 2008 will be held from 10 to 13 Apr at the Singapore Expo for trade members and members of the public.

The exhibition will showcase the latest bicycle and motorcycle models, and accessories. It is expected to attract 30,000 visitors.

It is open to the public on 12 and 13Apr from 11am to 9pm. Tickets are $15 at the door (free entry for women between 11am and 4pm on 12 Apr).

There will also be daredevil acrobatic performances, riding tips, photography contests and bicycle races.

Mr Fabbri said buyers of two-wheelers are a growing affluent market in Asia.

He added: "A number of years ago, bicycles and motorcycles were for those who couldn't afford cars.

"But nowadays... I see many beautiful bikes - powerful, elegant and true objects of desire.

"Many of these cyclists and bikers can afford a car - more than one, in many cases - yet they choose the right vehicle for the specific purpose."

Visit www.bikeasia.org for details or to buy tickets.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Mar 26, 2008.