The Criterium of the Past Time is yearly organised by aficionados of the Bassanesi Historical Cycling Group and the Veloce Club Borgo Brocchi, to "promote urban cycling in all its forms and revitalise the city center”. This team race on vintage bikes takes place every year on the first Wednesday of September in the early evening, announced by a 1970's megaphone, in full agreement with Criterium regulations, which ban all modern equipment and technology. The only bikes permitted are those produced before or during 1987 and the same rule apply for clothing, the ideal being to match your attire as closely as possible with the era of the bicycle being ridden. Needless to say, the resulting race is a colourful affair, with a "parade" of fabulous historical costumes; from elegant turn-of-the-century suites (suspenders, knickerbockers, caps), to vintage "Bianchi-Faema" or "Willier Triestina" lambswool T-shirts, to legendary Eddy Mercks cycling hats, complete with flipped visors. Main sponsor is a local brewery, Ai Buei, no wonder the atmosphere is animated and peppy, with rivers of beer flowing: having any doping test been administered, riders would undoubtedly show high concentrations fo hops and malt!

The animated atmosphere, the zigzagging of bikes, the locking of wheels, the passing of batons between teammates, the toast over handlebars, the friendly banter, the gags, the encouragements, and yes, even the crashes, all conjure to attract a number of bikers ready to celebrate this hump-day of September the best way. Come and join us!