'Slower than your grandma' – the harsh reality of being a climber in cycling. But here's where it gets controversial: is the criticism fair, or are we missing the bigger picture? Let’s dive into Sarah Gigante’s journey, where her 2025 season became a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and unexpected controversies.
Sarah Gigante’s 2025 season has been nothing short of a study in contrasts. The Australian cyclist delivered some of the year’s most jaw-dropping uphill performances, only to have her season abruptly halted by a devastating injury. After breaking her femur in a training crash in August, Gigante was forced to miss the UCI Road World Championships, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what could have been. And this is the part most people miss: despite the physical and emotional toll, Gigante has used this setback as an opportunity to reflect and focus on areas needing improvement, particularly her descending skills, which have become a hot topic of debate.
Descending: The Achilles’ Heel?
In a candid interview on the Domestique Hotseat podcast, Gigante opened up about the challenges she faces when descending. She attributes much of her struggle to limited race experience, especially in high-stakes mountain descents. ‘I don’t get the chance to race down mountains in pelotons that often,’ she explained. ‘Even though I’ve been a pro for a while, taking extended breaks due to injuries keeps me rusty.’ It’s a reminder that even the most talented athletes face hurdles that aren’t always visible to the public.
But it’s not just experience holding her back. Gigante also highlighted technical factors, such as adjusting to race wheels. ‘The deep-dish race wheels feel completely different from my training wheels at home,’ she admitted. ‘It’s not just an excuse—it’s a real learning curve.’ These insights shed light on the complexities of professional cycling, where even small details can make a world of difference.
Progress in the Making
Gigante’s team, AG Insurance - Soudal, made crucial adjustments after the Tour de Suisse Women, where she finished 12th overall. Ahead of the Giro d’Italia Donne, where she secured an impressive third place, they addressed braking issues that had been holding her back. ‘I couldn’t reach my brakes properly in the drops,’ she revealed. ‘With my small hands, it was a constant struggle. But once we adjusted my setup, I felt a huge difference.’ These changes are a testament to her dedication and her team’s support.
The Media Frenzy: Fair or Unfair?
At just 24, Gigante believes her descending skills are unfairly scrutinized because of her exceptional climbing abilities. ‘People love to tell me I’m slower than their grandma,’ she said with a hint of frustration. ‘But the gap between my climbing and descending isn’t because I’m the worst descender in the world. It’s because my climbing is already so strong.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: Do we hold climbers to an unrealistic standard when it comes to descending? Or is it a legitimate area for improvement?
Breakthroughs and Backlash
Gigante’s 2025 season was undeniably a breakthrough, with two stage wins at the Giro d’Italia. However, increased visibility brought its share of negativity, particularly during the Tour de France Femmes. ‘People felt the need to message me personally with hate,’ she shared. ‘It’s baffling—do they really have nothing better to do?’ Despite the online toxicity, Gigante remains optimistic, focusing on the exponential growth of women’s cycling. ‘The coverage is amazing, and even the downsides come with the territory,’ she said. ‘If it means women’s cycling gets bigger and better, it’s worth it.’
The Bigger Question
As we celebrate Gigante’s resilience and achievements, it’s worth asking: Are we too quick to judge athletes based on perceived weaknesses? Or should we focus on their strengths and the progress they’re making? Let’s keep the conversation going—what do you think? Is the criticism of Gigante’s descending fair, or is it time to shift the narrative? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
