Stage 4 Recap: Valdobbiadene to Pianezze (118km)

Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal) delivered a masterclass in climbing tactics during Friday's queen stage of the Giro d'Italia Women, launching a devastating attack in the final 2km of the 9.4% gradient Pianezze ascent. The 23-year-old Melburnian crossed the line 25 seconds clear of 2024 champion Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), with Swiss powerhouse Marlen Reusser (Movistar) retaining enough strength to claim third and the maglia rosa leader's jersey.

Key Moments:

• Henderson's Heartbreak: Jumbo-Visma's Anna Henderson, who held the overall lead after Stage 2, cracked spectacularly on the final climb, hemorrhaging over nine minutes to leaders
• Technical Breakdown:
  • Average gradient: 7.8% (final 5km)
  • Max gradient: 14% (inside final 800m)
  • Stage elevation gain: 2,350m
• Tactical Play: AG Insurance-Soudal executed perfect team strategy, with Lore de Schepper setting tempo before Gigante's decisive move

General Classification Shakeup

Expert Analysis: "Gigante's performance today rewrites the climbing hierarchy," said former Giro winner Marianne Vos. "That final acceleration reminded me of Annemiek van Vleuten in her prime - pure explosive power when it matters most."

Medical Comeback Story

Gigante's victory becomes more remarkable considering her 2023 health struggles:

• Iliac artery surgery (February 2023)
• Shoulder dislocation during rehabilitation
• 6-month competitive hiatus

"This jersey means everything," an emotional Gigante stated post-race. "When I saw 500m to go, I kept thinking 'Don't wake up from this dream'."

Looking Ahead: Stage 5 Preview

Saturday's 138km stage from Vittorio Veneto to Lago di Santa Croce features:

• Three categorized climbs
• Technical descent finish
• Predicted GC battleground: Reusser vs Longo Borghini vs Niedermaier (+1:03)

Weather Alert: Forecast 90% chance of rain could create dangerous conditions on the Passo San Boldo descent (14 hairpins, 17% gradient).