Which cyclist was the first woman to win the Giro d’Italia Femminile?

Maria Canins was the first woman to win the Giro d’Italia Femminile.

Canins won the inaugural edition of the women’s Italian stage race in 1988. The event was initially known as the Giro d’Italia Femminile and later became associated with names including Giro Donne and Giro d’Italia Women. Canins also won the Tour de France Féminin in 1985 and 1986, demonstrating her strength in long stage races.

The first Giro women’s race was separate from the men’s Giro d’Italia, with its own peloton, stages, classifications, and winners. It helped establish a major Italian platform for women’s road racing during a period when women’s professional opportunities were far more limited.

Canins was an accomplished cross-country skier before concentrating on cycling, and she continued to compete successfully in endurance sports. She is sometimes confused with Fabiana Luperini, who became the first rider to win the women’s Giro three times.