'I wouldn't recommend breaking your femur' –No Giro d'Italia Women for Sarah Gigante after all, with long-awaited return from latest injury setback delayed

Sarah Gigante will miss this year’s Giro d’Italia Women as she continues to recover from a fractured femur sustained in a training crash last August. The Australian rider, who impressed at last year’s Giro with two stage wins, the mountains classification, and a third-place overall finish, had been targeting a return at La Vuelta Femenina earlier this month before competing at the Giro. However, her team AG Insurance Soudal confirmed that her rehabilitation is still ongoing, necessitating a further delay to her comeback. Gigante’s injury follows what was the most successful season of her career, including a sixth-place finish at the Tour de France Femmes and a strong performance on the queen stage behind Pauline Ferrand Prévot. Despite multiple setbacks throughout her career, including illnesses and iliac artery endofibrosis, this latest fracture has proven to be her toughest challenge yet. She has been steadily rebuilding her fitness since December, attending team training camps and focusing on gradual progress, although the frustration of watching her teammates race while sidelined has been difficult. The Belgian squad will compete in the Giro without their star climber, relying on riders such as Mireia Benito and Urška Žigart to lead their general classification ambitions. Gigante had been preparing meticulously for the Giro, including reconnaissance of key stages like the uphill time trial to Nevegal, which suited her climbing strengths. With her return now postponed beyond the spring, her racing plans remain uncertain, though she hopes to be back before the end of the 2024 Grand Tour season, possibly targeting the Tour de France Femmes in August. Throughout her recovery, Gigante has emphasised the importance of patience and support from her team and medical staff. She acknowledged the mental and physical toll of the injury but remains positive about her future, describing the transition from rehabilitation to training as a crucial turning point. The team is prioritising a full recovery over a rushed return, aiming to ensure she comes back stronger and ready to compete at the highest level. While no definite date has been set for her comeback, Gigante’s resilience and determination suggest she will return to racing when fully prepared. Her experience and climbing prowess make her a valuable asset for AG Insurance Soudal, and her eventual return will be eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike. Until then, the focus remains on careful rehabilitation and regaining peak condition.