Australian Gigante geed after giant Giro stage win
The biggest win of the 24-year-old's career comes after major surgery in December that forced Gigante off the bike for several months and delayed her start to the season.
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The Tokyo Olympian is one of the sport's top young talents and her exploits on the uphill finish at Pianezze showed what Gigante is capable of when fit and healthy.
Gigante broke clear with 1.5km left in the 142km-fourth stage from Castello Tesino and soloed to the finish.
The AG Insurance-Soudal rider finished 25 seconds ahead of Italian star Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) and Swiss ace Marlen Reusser (Movistar).
With four stages left, Gigante lies third overall, only 34 seconds behind Reusser, with Longo Borghini second at 25 seconds.
"I kept looking back because I couldn't believe what was happening. I'm really happy," Gigante said of her solo break at the finish.
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"It's still too early to make any final predictions about the Maglia Rosa (leader's jersey). This Giro is wide open and still to be written.
"I've gone through some very tough times, but now I can finally say it: 'I'm back.'"
Gigante underwent surgery late last year to fix Iliac artery endofibrosis, a significant problem that has afflicted several professional cyclists, including compatriot Amanda Spratt.
Gigante said the difference before and after the surgery to her riding was "night and day".
The iliac arteries run through the pelvis. The condition happens when high blood flow and repetitive hip flexion cause the artery to narrow.
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Even in professional cycling, where a broken collarbone is seen as an occupational hazard, having the surgery is a major step.
Gigante's recovery went better than expected and she returned to racing last month at the Tour de Suisse, finishing 12th overall.
She aims to compete later this month at the Tour de France, where Gigante was seventh overall a year ago.
The surgery was the latest in a series of injury and health setbacks for Gigante over the past few years.
Gigante won last year's Tour Down Under in Adelaide and has snared three senior national road titles.
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