When Sarah Gigante moved to AG Insurance Soudal this season, she was away from her Movistar contract. By contrast, her 2024 with AG Insurance Soudal went much better, gaining experience in over 40 days of racing, finishing seventh in her debut Tour de France Femme, her first Women's WorldTour stage win and her first Tour win.

The Women's WorldTour team with its developmental team Origin announced this week that the 24-year-old Australian native has extended her initial one-year contract and signed a new two-year deal.

“I am so honored and happy to extend my contract with AG Insurance Sowdall. I have never been happier and more successful with this team. The environment here is both family friendly and professional, and I am very grateful for the opportunities and friendships I have gained.”

Gigante first came to the attention of the cycling world at the age of 18, fresh out of the junior category, when she competed in the combined U23 and elite women's title road race, winning not only the under-23 jersey but also the elite jersey. She continued to make her mark domestically, but border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, injuries, illness, and limited opportunities to compete made the step up to the European peloton a more difficult path. But in 2024, Gigante would finally have his first, and largely uninterrupted, top-level racing season. One of the most important things is to focus on the positives and play to the strengths of both the team and your own skills,” he said. Like many riders, I have a lot of room for improvement. But this team has taught me to believe in myself and to remember that Rome is not built in a day. Even though I am still learning, I have accomplished a lot and can be proud of my progress."

After winning the Women's Tour Down Under on the first day of racing at AG Insurance Soudal, the rider hopes to defend her title in the South Australian Tour in January and return to play an important role in the “most important” Grand Tour.

“Looking ahead to the next season, my main goal is to keep improving as a rider and as a person. I want to be stronger and more confident on the bike and maintain a good balance and happiness off the bike.”

“I haven't set any specific results-based goals yet because the exact race program hasn't been finalized yet, but I want to make the most of the opportunities I'm given and help my teammates achieve their personal goals.