Runner-up Sarah Gigante speaks out after Madeleine ride Tour de France Femmes about nasty messages she gets

Gigante was the first to launch an attack on the final climb. “I dreamed of winning the stage, and the team did everything they could, but I have to be happy with second place. Pauline was simply stronger. I haven’t seen her yet, but I have to tip my hat to her. She’s the Olympic champion in mountain biking and just a very strong rider.”

Along the way, the Australian faced her share of challenges, she told Eurosport. “Other teams put pressure on me during the descents, but thanks to my teammates, I was able to get back to the group.”

Teammate Kimberly Le Court was in the lead but chose to go all-in for Gigante. “I was still feeling fresh, and then the yellow jersey sacrificed herself for me… that was next level. I literally got goosebumps. It was Kim’s own decision. She chose to change the plan and ride for me. That means so much to me.”

“That I finished second here is just so special,” Gigante repeated. “Unbelievable. Without my teammates, I’d be fifteen minutes behind, and now I’m second in the Tour. This is truly the best team ever, I love them so much.”

“I couldn’t even ride a bike in January, but my confidence has grown over the months. In the Giro, I finally realized how strong I could be, but I still have a lot of work to do,” said Gigante, who also addressed the hate she’s received for her weaker descending skills. “I get a lot of nasty messages. I try not to read them, but they still get to me. Maybe I’m not the best at descending, but I’m improving, and my team believes in me.”