After months on the sidelines, Sarah Gigante is set to make her racing return this weekend at the Tour of Norway, marking her first competitive outing since the Tour de Romandie more than eight months ago. The 24-year-old Australian, who underwent surgery in December to address iliac artery endofibrosis, spoke on the AG Insurance-Soudal team website about the emotional journey back to full fitness.
“The recovery from my surgery went really well,” Gigante explained. “Everything was extremely smooth in terms of the operation and rehabilitation. Even before I was able to start exercising, I already felt the difference in blood flow and noticed the lack of aching in my leg, which had become constant before my operation.”
Her comeback has been measured and careful, progressing from walking to light elliptical sessions and eventually to indoor cycling. “I spent a few weeks doing many elliptical sessions under 100bpm, and then, after nearly two months without cycling, I was able to start riding again. It was a slow but steady build-up to a full training load, but I now feel as though I’m fitter and stronger than before.”
Despite the physical setbacks, Gigante has remained mentally engaged with the team, cheering on from afar. “I’ve watched every race from start to finish this season and have been a die-hard fan of my teammates from the other side of the world. One of the highlights of the year for me so far was definitely watching Kim take her incredible win in Liège-Bastogne-Liège last month!”
Now pain-free and motivated, she’s eager to contribute on the road again. “Just being in the peloton again will put a huge smile on my face. I’ll of course try my very best to do what is asked of me by the team, but I think, for now, just being able to race again is amazing and anything else is a bonus.”
Her determination was clear even in training, logging over 80 hours of indoor riding in April alone. “I even grew to really enjoy my long six-hour ergos,” she said. “My friends all thought I was a bit crazy for watching Paris-Roubaix replay on 0.7 speed to stretch out the coverage, and at times it seemed that even my cat started to look at me judgmentally.”
The 2025 Tour of Norway Women, held from 31st May to 1st June, will be the first time AG Insurance-Soudal race in the Scandinavian country. Gigante will be joined by Justine Ghekiere, Margot Marasco, Tess Moerman, Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, and Amandine Muller.
“We start with the goal of fighting for some good results,” said sports director Stijn Steels. “We have a couple of cards to play on the first day and we hope to be there when it will matter. We rely on a solid team, which comprises strong riders, including Sarah and Amandine – both making their comeback – and have plenty of motivation and confidence to leave our mark on this race.”
