Introducing the women’s cycling trailblazer you’ve probably never heard of…

You’re a triathlete who strives to be the best. In your own world, where you juggle life, the universe and everything else, you’re breaking down barriers to achieve your multisport goals. You’re an inspiration.

As is an Italian female cyclist that you’ve likely never heard of but you’ll soon become very aware of with the launch of new premium triathlon and cycling apparel brand Alfonsina, designed by women for women.

Alfonsina Strada, like Alfonsina’s limited-edition clothing collections, championed female empowerment and left an enduring legacy in the fight against gender discrimination. You simply will not believe this story…

Remembering Alfonsina

The upcoming launch of women’s triathlon and cycling apparel brand Alfonsina is timely as this year’s Giro d’Italia Women, which takes place between 7-14 July, features for the first time ever in this magnificent race, a stage finish atop one of the most notorious climbs in cycling: the Blockhaus.

“The climb rising above south-central Italy requires riders to tackle a 20km ascent, pitching over 10% gradient,” says Alfonsina clothing brand founder Amedea Kelly-Taglianini, who’s an incredible athlete in her own right and one you might have raced against, as she’s competed for the Great Britain age-group triathlon team.

“Blockhaus has been given the moniker ‘Cima Alfonsina Strada’, named after the late Italian cyclist who participated in the men’s Giro d’Italia 1924.”

That’s right – in 1924, Alfonsina Strada, all 5ft 2in of her, became the first (and last) woman to race and complete the men’s Giro d’Italia.

One-hundred years after Alfonsina Strada tamed the Giro, this year’s entrants in the women’s race will do battle with the Cima Alfonsina Strada. It’s a fitting tribute to a pioneer for gender equality on two wheels.

“Women’s cycling is growing and the Giro d’Italia Women will be a great challenge, both for the organisers and for the athletes who will be called upon to push their limits,” said former professional Marta Bastianelli when the route was announced last year.

“I expect a lot from the Blockhaus stage and I’m sure the women riders will be able to give us a spectacle, as they did last year at the Tour de France on the Tourmalet.”

Love of two wheels

It’s guaranteed to be a memorable event and one that’ll have many viewers digging deep into the story of Alfonsina Strada. It’s certainly a tale worth telling. Over to Kelly-Taglianini, founder of new triathlon and cycling apparel brand Alfonsina…

“Alfonsina’s route to cycling fame was far from expected. She was born on 16 March 1891 into a poor farming family in northern Italy. Her enduring love for two wheels was only sparked when at the age 10, she happened upon an old bicycle given to her father. The bicycle was tattered, but it went and a smitten Alfonsina learnt to pedal. And fast.

“By her early teens, Alfonsina was already beating boys of her own age on the bike. At this time, women road and track cyclists were beginning to garner public attention, giving Alfonsina the impetus to dream of her own potential.

“Despite her parents’ discouragement, she decided to dedicate herself to cycling. While Italian society expected women to stay in the home, Alfonsina was not fazed by being called ‘the devil’. She began to enter (and win) cycling races. ‘I’m going to church,’ she would tell her parents as she headed off to her next contest.

“The 1917 edition of [one-day race] Il Lombardia saw Alfonsina finally realise her ambition of officially competing against male cyclists. Arriving one and a half hours after the winner, Alfonsina came last in the 204km race. But for the first time, journalists had to make a gender distinction for the sole woman rider. A victory of sorts for ‘la signora Strada’.”

It was an incredible effort from Alfonsina who, like her male counterparts at Il Lombardia, wore wool. With every pedal stroke, every bead of sweat, she was weighed down.

Her apparel was a far cry from the brand she’s inspired – a brand committed to sustainable production that employs cutting-edge, eco-friendly fabrics to help you to deliver your optimum.

Like Alfonsina Strada, you should be proud to be seen and proud to be an endurance athlete. The rigorously-tested, stylish and durable clothing of new triathlon and cycling brand Alfonsina proudly helps you achieve both.

Brush with defeat…

And so back to Alfonsina Strada, whose greatest victory came seven years later in 1924 when, after a pay dispute saw many of the pre-race favourites withdraw, she lined up on the start line of the Giro d’Italia. Ahead awaited 3,613km over 12 gruelling stages.

Spectators that lined the street looked on with scepticism. But with every passing stage, that scepticism morphed into respect. No longer the target of insulting nicknames, she was now ‘Alfonsina, queen of the Giro’.

The Milan finish line edged closer on the horizon. But then disaster struck. Riding through incessant rain upon a quagmire of a road, Alfonsina’s handlebars split in two. Her quest to become the first female rider to finish the men’s Giro d’Italia, and so send a loud signal around the world that women are not simply ‘little men’, looked over. Not a bit of it.

“Resolute as ever, she tied the handle of a broom to the bicycle frame, finishing long after the official cut-off time,” says Kelly-Taglianini. “Alfonsina’s self-imposed challenge to show that a woman could ride a man’s course seemed lost. But her heroism had not been lost on the race organisers. They allowed her to continue without inclusion in the overall classification. She had earned the right to be there.”

On 1 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, engendering women to break down barriers and achieve greatness in whatever they set out to do. It’s a philosophy new triathlon and cycling apparel brand Alfonsina is proud to follow.

Tragically, Alfonsina’s life was cut short in a motorbike accident on 13 September 1959. But by memorialising her achievement on the Cima Alfonsina Strada at this year’s Giro d’Italia Women and the launch of women’s triathlon and cycling apparel brand Alfonsina (see some of the cycling kit in the images above), her legacy is honoured and respected.

Introducing Alfonsina’s female-specific kit for triathletes

New women’s triathlon and cycling apparel brand Alfonsina has everything you need for sustainable speed and style…

As well as a stunning range of cycle jerseys, bib shorts, arm warmers and socks, Alfonsina’s inaugural collection includes the impressive L’Originale Tri-Suit.

L’Originale Tri-Suit is constructed from a mix of recycled nylon, recycled polyester and elastane that’s light, durable and wicks moisture away to keep you cool when the racing’s hot.

It features an innovative elasticated front waist panel that delivers a snug, supported feeling. The chamois is entitled ‘Super Tri 2 Women’ and is designed specifically for triathlon and the female triathlete.

A trio of back pockets, plus pockets incorporated within thigh side panels means bonking may be a thing of the past. It’s designed as an aerodynamic and hydrodynamic suit that looks and feels fast. Available from XXS to XL.

Visit the Alfonsina website and follow @thealfonsina for more.

Top image credit: Tim de Waele/Fototeca Gilardi/Getty Images