Sarah Gigante’s training crash shatters World Champs dream

Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal) has broken her femur in a training crash that occurred on Thursday, forcing her to miss the upcoming UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda.

The 24-year-old Australian climber revealed the news in an Instagram post on Saturday morning, confirming that she had already undergone surgery for the injury.

“I’m super disappointed to have broken my femur in training on Thursday (ouch), but the operation went very well and I’m already counting down until I can eventually ride again,” Gigante wrote on social media.

The accident cuts short what had been an impressive form for Gigante, who had jokingly referred to herself as “Sarah 3.0” after overcoming previous health and injury setbacks in recent years including iliac artery surgery at the start of the year to finish on the 3rd at the Giro d’Italia Women with two stage wins before 6th at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

"I was so looking forward to hopefully representing Australia at a hilly World Champs in Rwanda and to then finish off my season in Italy, but at least the four races I did this year were all great ones,” Gigante said. “And I sure know how to nail a comeback!”

Despite the major setback and disappointment, Gigante maintained her characteristic positive outlook, writing, “For now, it’s time for some R & R and working on my mental resilience even more.”

Gigante also expressed her gratitude to her support network, who are helping her through the recovery process. 

“Thanks everyone for the support, especially my friend Monty for waiting 2.5 hours with me roadside without mobile reception (sorry if your hand is still numb from me gripping it so tightly), my team, Dr Teramo, Rory, Jamie and my mum. I have the best support!”