During this time of fruitful evolvement of the men’s sport, women were kept on the bench.  However, through the history of Italian cycling and its stars, we can get a glimpse of women’s place in society during this time. During the 1953 Giro d’Italia, Fausto Coppi became the centre of chronicles because of his extramarital relationship with Giulia Occhini, wife of Dr. Locatelli, faithful fan of Coppi. Occhini became known as the Dama Bianca because of the dress she wore when she was still unknown and Coppi handed her his victory flowers at the end of competition. Fausto and Giulia began a long love story which came to be condemned even by Pope Pius XII. As a result of the romance, Coppi and his first wife, Bruna Ciampolini were separated in 1954, while Dr Locatello denounced Giulia for adultery. As a consequence, the woman had to spend time in jail and Coppi had his passport confiscated.  After many difficulties, the couple made their way to Mexico, where they were married and had a son. However, the marriage was never recognised in Italy.