Women's Parallel Events and Exclusion

While women remained barred from the official Tour, the 1920s saw increased female participation in cycling. The Tour de France Féminin, though unconnected to the main race, attracted talented riders who proved women could handle long-distance racing. These events, largely ignored by mainstream media, planted seeds for future equality movements.

Alfonsina Strada: The Devil in a Dress

In 1924, Alfonsina Strada achieved what no woman had before or would again for decades—she entered the Tour de France. Registered as "Alfonsin Strada," her gender was an open secret. Italian by birth, she had won numerous women's races and convinced organizers to let her start, though they likely saw her participation as a publicity stunt.

Strada faced hostility from some riders and officials but earned respect through sheer determination. When she crashed and finished outside the time limit on stage 2, officials tried to eliminate her. She refused to quit, continuing as an unofficial participant. She completed the entire Tour, finishing hours behind the leaders but ahead of many men who abandoned. Her courage challenged assumptions about women's capabilities and embarrassed those who had dismissed her.