With his nine world championship trophies, he is one of the most titled riders of all times. Born in Bergamo, Italy in 1929, he spent three years at Mondial where he won the World Cchampionship in 1951 before joining MV in 1953. He stayed with MV until 1960, when he retired from racing after winning five 125 class World Championships and three World Championships in the 250 class, in addition to five Italian titles. Not particularly spectacular in his riding although extremely profitable, he was and still is a great expert of mechanics.

When at the peak of his career and following his umpteenth double World Championship in the 125 and 250 classes, he married and retired to his hometown of Bergamo, thoroughly removing himself from the world of racing. It was only in the 1980’s that he started attending various commemorations and shows again, gladly talking with admirers and friends about those historical feats. But he was unapproachable back in the days when he was racing. He avoided all contact that could have made him lose his concentration and take his mind off his main goal: winning.