Nicola Rutzou
You’d be forgiven for not knowing the women’s Giro d’Italia race has been going on over the past week, with all the fuss made of the Tour de France. You’d also be forgiven for not knowing that Aussie climber Sarah Gigante won two stages and came away from the great race with a third overall in the GC contest, because the Australian news and sports have largely ignored it!!
So, we’re here to highlight the event and Gigante’s impressive result to set the record straight.
In an exciting final stage, the Italian defending champion Elisa Longo Borghini of UAE Team ADQ won the Giro d’Italia Women 18 seconds ahead of Marlen Reusser (Movistar). Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal Team) rounded out the podium at 1’11”.
Gigante also won the Maglia Azzurra mountain jersey, and her team AG Insurance-Soudal was awarded the top place in the team classification.
Of her results, Gigante said, “I never expected to experience such a successful Giro. I have to thank everyone who supported me on this journey. 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. It’s been a beautiful Giro”.
The other good news is that the Giro d’Italia women’s race will be earlier in the race calendar from 2026 (30 May to 7 June), so it will no longer clash with the Tour de France.
Photo credits: LaPresse
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
