Sarah Gigante: Strong Return to WorldTour at Tour de Suisse
sarah Gigante Claims Climbers’ Jersey at Switzerland Tour
Sarah Gigante (AG insurance-Soudal), showcasing her climbing skills, secured the climbers’ jersey at the Switzerland tour, marking a prosperous return to Women’s WorldTour racing after undergoing iliac artery endofibrosis surgery.The Australian cyclist’s performance highlighted her prowess in the mountains.
Gigante’s victory came after a strategic race by her team. “we rode a super strong race with the team,” Gigante said. She added that the team created a gap on the second climb, allowing her to secure maximum points and the coveted red Queen of the mountain jersey.
Following surgery in December to address blood flow restrictions, Gigante trained in Australia before returning to Europe. Her first race with the team in 2025 was the Tour of Norway in late May, followed by her participation in the Switzerland Tour.
Gigante expressed excitement about testing her legs. “I was excited to test my legs today,” gigante told cycling Pro Net, noting her increased strength post-surgery and the thrill of competing with top cyclists.
During the race, Gigante launched an attack on the category 1 Juanpass climb. After an initial attack was neutralized, she surged again, creating a gap. A small group, including Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and Urška Žigart, later joined her.
Despite securing the QOM jersey,Gigante finished 26th after Reusser’s attack on the descent led to a stage win. Žigart, Gigante’s teammate, finished fifth.
“When Marlen attacked I was on the front and, even knowing the technical part, she was amazing. She had so much power,” Gigante said.
Gigante acknowledged disappointment in her inability to follow Reusser’s attack, but remained optimistic. “So lots of work to do there but there were some positives to take away from today as well,” she said.
What’s next
The second stage promises another climbing challenge with significant elevation gain. Stage 3 may favor sprinters, while Stage 4 presents another mountainous finale.