Alfonsina Strada first and only woman to run the Giro d'Italia

Alfonsina Strada: First and Only Woman to Race the Giro d'Italia

A Pioneer of Women's Cycling

Alfonsina Strada was an extraordinary figure in the history of Italian and world cycling. In 1924, she became the first and only woman to participate in the Giro d'Italia, challenging social conventions and prejudices at a time when professional sports were considered exclusively male.

Who Was Alfonsina Strada

Born Alfonsina Morini on March 16, 1891, in Castelfranco Emilia, near Modena, Alfonsina demonstrated an extraordinary passion for cycling from a young age. At just 10 years old, she received her first bicycle as a gift, which became her inseparable companion on all her adventures.

In 1915, she married Luigi Strada, also a cyclist, who encouraged her to pursue her passion for racing. From that moment, Alfonsina began competing professionally, adopting her husband's surname, which would make her famous in cycling history.

The 1924 Giro d'Italia
Alfonsina Strada's most famous achievement occurred in 1924, when she managed to register for the Giro d'Italia. Her entry was accepted thanks to a bureaucratic error: her name, Alfonsina, was mistaken for a man's name, Alfonso.

The Race
By the time the organizers discovered the error, it was too late to exclude her. Alfonsina set off along with the other 90 male riders, facing the grueling stages of the Giro with courage and determination.

Despite the difficulties and prejudices, Alfonsina completed several stages, demonstrating extraordinary endurance and fortitude. Even when she was out of time, she continued pedaling all the way to Milan, completing the entire Giro route.
A Symbol of Women's Empowerment
Alfonsina Strada's participation in the Giro d'Italia represented much more than a simple sporting achievement. It was a revolutionary act that challenged the social conventions of the time and paved the way for future generations of women cyclists.

In a historical period when women were fighting for fundamental rights, Alfonsina demonstrated that:

Women could compete at high levels in sports
Determination and passion are genderless
Societal limitations can be overcome
Alfonsina's Career
In addition to the Giro d'Italia, Alfonsina Strada participated in numerous other cycling competitions, both in Italy and abroad. She won several races and set records, continuing to compete until the 1950s.

Her career was characterized by:

Over 36 years of competitive activity
Numerous victories in women's races
Participations in international competitions
A tireless passion for cycling
The Legacy of Alfonsina Strada

Alfonsina Strada passed away on September 13, 1959, in Milan, but her legacy lives on. She is remembered as:

A pioneer of women's sport

A symbol of courage and determination

An inspiration to cyclists around the world

Today, many women's cycling races bear her name, and her story continues to inspire new generations of women who want to break down barriers and pursue their dreams.

Conclusion

Alfonsina Strada's story teaches us that passion, determination, and courage can overcome any obstacle. Her participation in the 1924 Giro d'Italia remains a historic moment not only for cycling, but for the entire history of women's emancipation in Italy.

Alfonsina was not only a great cyclist, but a true revolutionary who paved the way for all women to practice professional sports with pride and freedom today.