The days since the final stage of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes may feel like heartbreak for 24-year-old powerhouse, but the Victorian cyclist has plenty to be proud of from her recent performances in Europe.
Last month, Gigante celebrated major career milestones at the Giro d’Italia, winning two difficult mountain stages and securing third place in the general classification.
In doing so, she became the fifth Australian in history to finish on the podium.
“That performance meant that when she was announced on the AG Insurance squad for the Tour de France Femmes with Zwift, competitors took note. She wasn't sneaking under the radar anymore!” said Olympic and World Champion cyclist, Grace Brown OAM.
“She started the tour as domestique to teammate Kim Le Court, who won stage five and wore the yellow jersey for four stages,” said Brown.
“But Sarah managed to get to the final stages without losing much time to general classification rivals, and the team turned their attention to supporting her.”
Brown said this team decision was justified by the class Gigante was showing, climbing her way to second on the general classification standings before the final stage.
The heartbreak then came in the final hours of the Tour, as Gigante slipped to sixth place overall.
“She should be so proud of what she has achieved, especially after some very tough years of injury and sickness,” said Brown.
For years, Gigante had been battling unknown pain in one of her legs. Pain that was inconsistent, variable and seemingly invisible, making it difficult to diagnose.
“I felt like, what is wrong with me? Am I imagining it? But I knew I wasn’t imagining it because my leg was on fire, but it was just really frustrating not knowing what was wrong,” said Gigante on The WMN Podcast, co-hosted by former professional cyclist and VIS alumni, Georgie Howe.
“Sometimes I’d come to the physio and complain that my quad was on fire. Then I’d come a different day and say, ‘Oh, never mind my quad, it’s not that bad, now my calf is cramping. ’ Sometimes it would be fine, other times it would be completely burning,”
“It's one of those invisible injuries. I had so much testing and everything was coming back fine.”
Enter VIS Sports Doctor, Alice McNamara and VIS physiotherapist, Alison Low into the picture.
“The diagnosis process (with Dr. McNamara) was initially challenging because Sarah’s symptoms were complex and not easily pinned down,” said Low. “However, once Alice referred her for assessment of a potential iliac artery issue, the picture became much clearer.”
Iliac artery endofibrosis is a condition where the inner lining of the iliac artery thickens, leading to reduced blood flow. The pain Gigante was feeling was a lack of blood circulating through her leg.
While rare, the condition is known to be seen in cyclists and rowers where they're constantly in a bent over position.
At the end of 2024, Gigante underwent surgery and spent time recovering at the Victorian Institute of Sport, aided by the medical and physical therapy teams.
With the VIS performance services working in tandem Gigante was back in the gym and working on recovery as soon as possible. “Rehab following iliac artery surgery is very precise, there are no shortcuts and it demands full healing before progressing,” said Low.
Gigante claimed her first big World Tour race victory at the Giro d'Italia this year (Getty Images).
“After surgery, Sarah committed wholeheartedly to her rehab plan. She followed every step diligently and returned to the VIS as soon as she was cleared, working closely with myself as her physio and with VIS Physical Preparation Coach, Ben Wiley, to rebuild her strength and prepare for the European season.”
Drawing on the expertise that surrounded her Gigante was determined to head to the European season in the best possible shape.
“She was meticulous, motivated, and unwavering in her approach to give herself the best chance of a full recovery,” said Low.
“They’ve been so, so wonderful at the VIS. I was going there about five days a week for a good month or two straight after the surgery, [but] I pretty much lived there for about five months at the start of the year,” added Gigante.
“Thinking back to a few months ago, after surgery and a long recovery, I would’ve never imagined I’d make it this far. I’m heading back to Australia full of joy, and I can’t wait to share these emotions with my family,” said Gigante after claiming third place in the Giro d’Italia.
Gigante has cemented herself as a top contender on the international stage with more Grand Tour podiums well within reach.
“With such a great support network around her, I believe she’s capable of becoming a more complete cyclist who’s capable of winning the Tour de France Femmes in the future,” claimed Brown.
By Kate Paul-Drevensek and Sarah Dyce
Victorian Institute of Sport
