Alfonsina Strada discovered cycling in the early 1900s when Italian women were supposed to be focused on home and family. She ignored the gossip and entered the Giro d’Italia bike race using a man’s name, becoming the first and only woman to ride in the world-famous event.

This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This story was produced by Deborah Goldstein with sound design and mixing by Mumble Media. It was written by Gina Gotsill. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan. Narration by Elena Favilli. Our executive producers were Joy Smith and Jes Wolfe. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel!