The magical Sforzesco Castle of Vigevano was a splendid backdrop for the re-enactment of a great page of cycling history. The epic brought the Piazza d'Armi back to the splendors of pioneering cycling, as on the internal perimeter dirt track, the only one in the world run counterclockwise, a couple of authentic and heartfelt matches were recreated.

To be precise, two historic rivalries from the Belle Époque cycling era came to life. The "flying negro" Major Taylor challenged and defeated French champion Edmond Jacquelin in a unique two-lap speed trial, while Romolo Buni, the "black devil" of Milanese velocipedism, after 140 years, finally got the better of the gallop of the self-proclaimed Buffalo Bill (actually an American cowboy posing as Bill Cody). The two matches, impeccably organized by the Vigevano Veloce Club 1892 under the technical aegis of the Nova Italian Velocipedistic Union, took place Saturday morning with an impressive crowd that could also appreciate some very interesting international side races.