‘A’
It's all in a letter.
Italian cyclist Alfonsina Strada was a pioneer in the struggle for women representation in sport. In 1924, she completed the men’s Giro d’Italia cycling race. Never before had a woman been allowed to participate. Never again would a woman participate in a men’s Grand Tour.
“Alfonsin” was pinned on Alfonsina’s race bib number at the 1924 Giro. Whether a deliberate act to disguise her gender or a simple typo, the final ‘a’ in her name was dropped. Of the cyclists who crossed the finish line, Alfonsina was last. But almost sixty male participants had already retired. Alfonsina never gave up and completed the race.
We take our inspiration from this pioneering cyclist who endured limitless name calling; sporting a black jersey and black socks, Alfonsina was dubbed “the devil in a skirt”. Her tenacity to complete the 1924 Giro gave her the stage to demonstrate that women can do anything men can do, if given the opportunity.
Alfonsina’s drive and passion remains the inspiration behind all we do and create today.
You should not have to conceal your identity to participate and excel in a pursuit you love.
