Bologna, 7 May 2024 – Rebellious and determined, Alfonsina Morini Strada she was the first woman to participate in the Tour of Italy. And she is the protagonist of the new episode of ‘il Resto di Bologna’, which can be downloaded for free from the main podcast platforms (such as Spotify).
Struck by cycling as a child, Alfonsina’s story goes beyond sport, becoming a symbol of female empowerment. Agnese Portincasa, director of the Parri Institute, tells the story of her life and her bond with our city, illustrating a sort of ideal itinerary through the places in Bologna dearest to this rebellious cyclist. From Montagnola to the Margherita Gardens.
But who was Alfonsina? Someone nicknamed her ‘devil in a skirt‘, but she ran as fast as her bicycle and didn’t care, so much so that in 1924 she participated, the first woman ever, in the Giro d’Italia. And, precisely because of the particularity of the undertaking, she came acclaimed by many who cheered for her.
Born in Emilia, he moved with his family near Castenaso and here he spent his childhood, discovering what would be the true passion of his life: two wheels. She was struck by the bicycle at just 10 years old, it was right under her Two Towers that she began her great adventure. And although in those years the priests warned girls on two wheels: “If you don’t stop using them you will end up in hell”, Alfonsina continued straight down her path. AND she became a heroine. Which, even today, deserves to be remembered.
