Sarah Gigante Wins at Emakumeen Nafarroako Klasikoa

The Movistar Team increased its number of 2022 victories to 15 thanks to one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in the women’s peloton. Sarah Gigante took Tuesday’s honours at a warm, demanding Emakumeen Nafarroako Klasikoa, the first of the Navarra classics, with a sensational attack over the final section of the 139km race with eight rated ascents around Irurtzun.

Not even a crash when already making part of the final selection prevented the 21-year-old from Melbourne from jumping away from a nine-woman group over the descent of Saldías, 35km before the end, a field also including her team-mate Paula Patiño. The Colombian, eventually a well-deserved 3rd spot, covered all moves from behind while ‘Gigi’ amassed an ever-increasing gap, which exceeded 2’30” over the line.

Interview: Sarah Gigante

“It’s absolutely amazing. I’m in shock, it’s crazy. I’ve never been in the top-10 of a European race, so making my first top-ten a victory is amazing. The whole team was so, so awesome. Paula, obviously, coming in 3rd was so good, but she made it even better by helping so much, chasing everyone behind so they didn’t bridge back. It was a whole team effort — thanks also to Sheyla, Lourdes, Katrine and Sara, for keeping the front all day. We had such an amazing support staff — I just don’t want to forget about anyone!

“I loved the course, too; thanks to the organisers for designing such an amazing parcours, it’s the kind of course that I love. This is beyond my dreams; I could never wake up thinking I could win this, and I’m going to really enjoy it.”