Alfonsina e la strada

The Giro d’Italia has always been a men’s race—except for one remarkable moment in its history. In 1924, at the twelfth edition, a woman defied expectations and took her place at the starting line: Alfonsina Morini, later known by her married name, Strada. A passionate cyclist from an early age, Alfonsina first turned heads in 1917 when she walked into the offices of La Gazzetta dello Sport to register for the Giro di Lombardia, a race organised by the sports newspaper. Though her request was highly unorthodox, it was granted—and Alfonsina managed to complete the gruelling 204-kilometre race. Her determination only grew stronger. She went on to compete in further editions of the Lombardy race and other events, and she eventually achieved her dream: to become the first—and still the only—woman to ride in the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s most prestigious cycling event. In doing so, she shattered conventions, defied stereotypes, and silenced gossip. Simona Baldelli’s novel brings this trailblazing figure to life, imagining the “Regina della Strada” in 1959, at the age of seventy, taking a final ride on her Moto Guzzi. The narrative shifts through time, following Alfonsina’s memories: her difficult childhood, her great passion for cycling, the effort and perseverance that gradually led her to surpass her limits and to earn the esteem and appreciation of great champions such as Girardengo, Binda and Coppi.

Alfonsina e la strada
Simona Baldelli
Sellerio, 2021