Born: July 5, 1949 (La Villa, Alta Badia, Italy)
Maria Canins is an Italian racing cyclist who has made notable achievements in both road cycling and cross-country skiing. Born on July 5, 1949, in La Villa, Alta Badia, Canins has left a significant mark on the world of cycling through her exceptional performances and victories in various prestigious races.
Before her success in cycling, Canins was an accomplished cross-country skier from 1969 to 1988. She dominated the sport and became the Italian champion 15 times during her career. Notably, she made history as the first Italian to win the Vasaloppet cross-country competition in Sweden and won an impressive ten times in the Marcialonga between 1979 and 1988. Her skill and dedication led her to secure two world championship titles and two Italian champion titles in mountain biking, showcasing her versatility and talent across different disciplines.
Canins transitioned to road cycling and quickly made her mark in the sport. In 1982, she won the National Road Championships in the road race category, displaying her prowess on the road. She continued her success by claiming victory in the Coors Classic, an impressive achievement that solidified her status as a top cyclist. In 1984, she once again won the National Road Championships and added another prestigious title to her name.
The years 1985 and 1986 proved to be the peak of Canins’ career in road cycling. She achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Tour de France Féminin, not once but twice consecutively. This impressive triumph showcased her strength and determination as she conquered the challenging stages of one of the most prestigious races in the cycling world. In the same years, she also won the overall titles in the Grande Boucle Féminine Internationale and Tour of Norway, further establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
In 1988, Canins claimed another significant victory by winning the inaugural Giro d’Italia Femminile, Italy’s most prestigious women’s stage race. This triumph solidified her reputation as one of the greatest female cyclists of her time. She followed this success by placing second overall in the Grande Boucle Féminine Internationale and Tour de l’Aude Cycliste Féminin, further adding to her growing list of accomplishments.
Throughout her career, Canins remained a prominent figure in Italian cycling. She consistently performed well in the National Road Championships, earning multiple titles in both the road race and time trial events. Her skill and dedication were recognized at the world stage as well, where she secured the team time trial title at the World Road Championships in 1988.
Canins was not only a talented athlete but also a trailblazer for women in cycling. Her success and achievements inspired many aspiring female cyclists and paved the way for future generations. She played a pivotal role in raising awareness and recognition for women’s cycling, showcasing the strength and determination of women athletes in a predominantly male-dominated sport.
In addition to her athletic prowess, Canins was married to cross-country skier and ski mountaineer Bruno Bonaldi. Bonaldi, a member of the civilian world championship team in the 1975 Trofeo Mezzalama, shared Canins’ passion for winter sports. Together, they formed a powerful and supportive couple, contributing to the growth and success of Italian skiing and cycling.
Maria Canins’ contribution to the world of sports cannot be understated. Her achievements in both cross-country skiing and road cycling established her as one of the most accomplished and influential athletes of her time. Her dedication and determination have left a lasting impact on women’s cycling, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence. Maria Canins will always be remembered as a trailblazer and a true champion in the world of women’s sports.
Awards:
– Winner of Tour de France Féminin in 1985 and 1986.
– Winner of the inaugural Giro d’Italia Femminile in 1988.
– Winner of the Coors Classic in 1984.
– Multiple-time winner of the Marcialonga cross-country competition.
– Multiple-time Italian champion in cross-country skiing, road racing, and time trial events.
– Double world champion and double Italian champion in mountain biking.