Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal) delivered a stunning performance in Stage 4 of the 2025 Women’s Giro d’Italia, clinching her first-ever Giro stage win. The Australian rider outpaced Italian climbers Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo) and Marlen Reusser (SD Worx) in a thrilling final climb to the line. Gigante, known for her climbing ability and resilience, made a decisive move with just 3 kilometers to go, breaking away from the leading group and holding off all challengers to take the victory. Longo Borghini finished second, while Reusser rounded out the podium in third.
The stage, covering 143 kilometers, featured a series of punishing climbs through the rugged Italian Apennines, with an uphill finale that pushed the riders to their limits. From the outset, the race was aggressive, with multiple attacks early on as riders looked to break free before the real test of the day. A breakaway of five riders managed to escape within the first 40 kilometers, but it was clear that the stage would ultimately come down to the climbers and the final ascent to the summit finish at the town of Campo Felice.
AG Insurance-Soudal, a team known for its strong climbing tactics, was well-positioned as the stage unfolded. Gigante’s teammates set a steady pace in the peloton, ensuring that the breakaway was kept within striking distance. As the final climb approached, the pace intensified, with the leaders—Longo Borghini, Reusser, and Gigante—beginning to distance themselves from the rest of the field. The trio of favorites exchanged tactical moves, each testing the others’ legs, but it was Gigante who proved the strongest on the steep slopes.
With 3 kilometers to go, Gigante launched a powerful attack that immediately put pressure on Longo Borghini and Reusser. Both riders fought valiantly to keep up, but Gigante’s relentless pace was too much for them. As she ascended the final section of the climb, the Australian held her lead and crossed the line with a comfortable margin of 20 seconds. Longo Borghini and Reusser, both seasoned veterans in mountain stages, could do nothing but watch as Gigante surged to victory.
For Gigante, the win was a culmination of years of hard work and determination. “I’m in disbelief right now,” she said after the race. “It’s been a long journey back after my surgery, and this feels like everything coming together. I knew I was strong today, and I just had to give it my all. The team was incredible, and I couldn’t have done it without them. This is a dream come true.”
Longo Borghini, who has consistently performed well in the mountains throughout her career, reflected on her second-place finish with grace. “Sarah was simply too strong today,” she admitted. “I gave it everything I had, but she was in a class of her own on that climb. It was a great race, and I’m happy with second, but of course, I’ll keep fighting for the stages ahead.”
Reusser, who finished in third, also acknowledged the strength of the winner. “It was a tough stage, and Sarah’s attack was the decisive move,” she said. “I tried to follow, but she was just too fast for me. I’m happy with third place, and I’m looking forward to the next stages.”
The final climb to Campo Felice was a true test of strength, with gradients topping out at over 10%. As the riders made their way up the winding roads, the battle for the stage win intensified. Behind the leading trio, the peloton fragmented, with many of the general classification contenders struggling to maintain contact. As the gap between the front group and the rest of the peloton widened, it was clear that only the strongest climbers would feature in the finale.
With Gigante crossing the line first, the focus quickly shifted to the overall standings. The battle for the pink jersey remains tightly contested, with several riders still within striking distance of the race lead. Gigante’s performance not only gave her a prestigious stage win but also catapulted her up the general classification, positioning her as a potential threat for the final podium.
Tomorrow’s stage offers a change of pace, with flatter terrain that is likely to favor the sprinters. However, with the Giro’s mountains looming on the horizon, the battle for the overall lead will continue to evolve. For now, Sarah Gigante enjoys the glory of a well-deserved victory, a testament to her strength and perseverance on one of the hardest stages of this year’s Giro d’Italia.
HIGHLIGHTS
RESULTS
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
