THE TRAILBLAZER YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF

It’s 100 years since Alfonsina Strada became the first and only woman to complete the men’s Giro d'Italia. Thanks to new women’s triathlon and cycling apparel brand Alfonsina, we reflect on the exploits of this incredible pioneer...

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 goals. You're inspiring.

As is an Italian female cyclist that you've likely never heard of but will do soon with the launch of new premium triathlon and cycling apparel brand Alfonsina, designed by women for women. Alfonsina Strada, like Alfonsina's limitededition clothing collections, championed female empowerment and left an enduring legacy in the fight against gender discrimination. You simply won't 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 founder Amedea KellyTaglianini, 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.