Australian Sarah Gigante won the fourth stage of the women's Giro d'Italia on Wednesday, edging Swiss rider Marlen Reusser who nonetheless moved back into the overall race lead.
Gigante scored the most resounding victory of her career at the end of the 142km run between Castello Tesino and Pianezze as she clocked 3hrs 56mins 22sec.
The 24-year-old, who had to put her career on hold for six months after a major operation, distanced herself from Reusser and reigning champion Elisa Longo Borghini of Italy with 2km to go on the difficult Pianezze ascent.
She finished 25sec ahead of Borghini and Reusser, and moved up to third place overall.
"To come away with a stage win after such great teamwork all day and all week is just beyond my dreams really," said Gigante.
"I'm coming back from a big surgery. I had six months off after iliac artery endofibrosis.
"And then I dislocated my shoulder just as I was coming back. It's been a long time and this is by far my biggest win, especially in Europe."
🥰 the interview we've all been waiting for: Sarah Gigante talks about her path from injury to today's win 🩷
— Giro d'Italia Women (@girowomen) July 9, 2025
🥰 l'intervista che stavamo aspettando: @SarahGigante parla del suo percorso dall'infortunio alla vittoria di oggi 🩷#GirodItaliaWomen #WonderfulWomen #WOW | @agsoudal pic.twitter.com/DB9RuOIdua
Reusser, who had been on the attack at the start of the final climb, reclaimed the leader's pink jersey but holds less of a lead than she would have hoped for.
The Swiss rider, winner of the first stage, has only a 16sec advantage over Borghini with Gigante a further 18sec behind.
British overnight leader Anna Henderson now sits in 34th.
A Top🔟 worth a round of applause! 🏆
— Giro d'Italia Women (@girowomen) July 9, 2025
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Una Top🔟 da applausi! 🏆
Le classifiche complete ti aspettano sul nostro sito ⤵️https://t.co/Forxjc15HE#GirodItaliaWomen #WonderfulWomen #WOW #Top10 | Trenitalia pic.twitter.com/0nQOnMI9c9
Thursday's flat 120km fifth stage between Mirano and Monselice looks set to be one for the sprinters.