INSPIRED BY THE “DEVIL IN A SKIRT”

Alfonsina Strada was the first woman to compete at the Giro d’Italia. Her efforts are recognised at this year’s Giro d’Italia Women and with the launch of a new cycling and triathlon apparel brand, Alfonsina

Alfonsina is a new premium cycling and triathlon apparel brand designed by women for women. Stylish, durable clothing that’s been rigorously tested to ensure the limited-edition collections can cope with every condition, from cool UK Sunday-morning rides to the heat and mountains of L’Étape du Tour. Alfonsina partners with experts who are well-versed in dressing the world’s best; and garments are made using renewable energy and sustainable or recycled materials.

Alfonsina knows that female cyclists aren’t simply ‘little men’. They deserve clothing that, from its inception, is crafted and styled to their needs as strong, determined cyclists. And, as you’ll discover, this brand is inspired by perhaps the most determined cyclist of them all…

All eyes on the Blockhaus

This year’s Giro d’Italia Women takes place between 7th and 14th July, starting with a 14.6km time trial around Brescia and finishing in L’Aquila. Unless Marianne Vos pulls off an upset, there’ll be a new name on the Giro roll of honour as the last three winners – Annemiek van Vleuten (2018, 2019, 2022-2023), Anna van der Breggen (2015, 2017, 2020-2021) and Megan Guarnier (2016) – have all retired. These world-class female riders have inspired a generation. But it’s Alfonsina Strada that transcended a sport.

“When the route for the Giro was announced, all eyes were on the race’s Queen stage [seven], finishing atop the Blockhaus,” says founder of Alfonsina, Amedea Kelly-Taglianini, who’s a formidable athlete in her own right, competing for the GB age-group triathlon team. “The climb rising above southcentral Italy requires tackling a 20km ascent, pitching over 10% gradient. The highest point in the race, the Blockhaus draws attention for its toughness but also for hosting the Cima Alfonsina Strada, named after the Italian female cyclist who participated in the men’s Giro d’Italia in 1924.”

Alfonsina Strada’s feat in 1924 was unparalleled – never before or since has a woman competed in a Grand Tour. “It’s a fitting tribute to a pioneer for gender equality on two wheels. From humble beginnings, Alfonsina marked more than her own name in history. She ensured that all women cyclists were seen for who they are and for what they can achieve, if given the opportunity,” says Kelly-Taglianini.

Spark of adventure

Alfonsina Strada’s story deserves a magazine in its own right. She was born in 1891 to a poor farming family in northern Italy. When she was 10 years old, Alfonsina’s father traded 10 chickens for a battered bike. Her spark for adventure was ignited by her “freedom machine” and she won her first race three years later. She beat boys her own age and dedicated

herself to cycling. Italian newspapers called her “the devil in a skirt”. It simply fuelled her desire to break down barriers.

Her list of achievements quickly racked up. In 1911 she broke the women’s speed record, clocking 37km/hr on a 44lb single-geared bike. For comparison, Lotte Kopecky won the 2023 World Championships on a 15lb bike with 24 gears. Alfonsina’s record stood for 26 years. In 1917 and 1918, Alfonsina rode the men’s Il Lombardia against the likes of Costante Girardengo and Philippe Thys, finishing when many abandoned. But her greatest achievement came on 10th May 1924 when she lined up at the Giro d’Italia. The aim? To cover 3,613km over 12 stages.

“With every stage that went by, her public following grew. Spectators lined the streets to applaud the woman cyclist. No longer the target of derisory nicknames, she was now ‘Alfonsina, queen of the Giro’,” says Kelly-Taglianini.

Female empowerment

But that crown looked set to slip on stage eight. “Amidst relentless rain and on a muddy road, her handlebar split in two,” says Kelly-Taglianini. “Resolute as ever, she tied the handle of a broom to the frame, finishing after the official cut-off time. Alfonsina’s self-imposed challenge to show that a woman could ride a man’s course seemed lost. But her heroism hadn’t been lost on the organisers. They allowed her to continue without inclusion in the overall classification. She had earned the right to be there.”

On 1st June 1924, Alfonsina reached Milan and the Giro finish line. Of the 90 starters, almost 60 had retired. She’d finished last but had won a greater victory, proving the capability and stoicism of the “weaker sex”.

Alfonsina’s life was cut short by a motorbike accident on 13th September 1959. But by recognising her achievement on the Cima Alfonsina Strada at this year’s Giro d’Italia and the launch of cycling and triathlon apparel brand Alfonsina, her legacy is honoured and respected. Alfonsina possessed perseverance and determination. Her tenacious spirit delivered a message of female empowerment and the enduring fight against gender discrimination that lives on with the Alfonsina clothing range. Chapeau to “the devil in a skirt”!

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