The overall battle may be over after Sarah Gigante (Team Garmin Australia) dominated the second stage of the Santos Festival of Cycling.

Willunga Hill is not very steep and not very long at 3km, but it is still always a stage to look forward to in the Santos Tour Down Under men's race. The prestige of winning the climb is high, and the exciting race is enlivened by the enthusiasm of the crowds lining the climb. It is an iconic and traditional part of this race.

That is why coming into the 48.8km third stage with a 1:53 overall lead and an individual lead was not enough to overturn the prestige of winning this iconic climb in the first appearance of the women's race.

"I'm a little nervous today, but I wasn't nervous any other day. So maybe that's why I'm very anxious about this stage. Before the race, I said, 'Stage 3 is very exciting. '" the 20-year-old Gigante said before the stage.

Richie Porte (Team Garmin Australia), the undisputed champion of Willunga Hill, is the star of this year's race, but has never had a chance to become the queen of Willunga Hill, despite the many exciting climbs the women's race has offered. The women's race was a bit of a surprise, as the four-day women's national road series was held on the same day and in the same area as the men's after the Tour Down Under international race was cancelled due to the pandemic.

"This race was a classic finish and a great opportunity to send the girls out for the first time. Everyone knows that Ritchie is the King of the Hill, and this year we get to see which female athlete will be the first to climb it," said women's race director Kimberly Conte

. Despite her impressive win yesterday, where she ran solo for more than 40 km, there was no sign of fatigue in her legs as she took off as soon as the road switched.

Gigante could have ridden conservatively, minimizing potential losses and focusing on the overall jersey fight. She often talks about her enjoyment with an innocent smile on her face as she hurt her legs on the climbs and hurt her rivals. When she took off on Willunga Hill, it looked like there was plenty of "fun" to be had.

Despite her inexperience in international racing, no one could keep up with this young rider, whose track record is alarming even to experienced riders. Even Lucy Kennedy, a climbing specialist with Team Bike Exchange, the only women's world team in the event, couldn't handle her, finishing a minute behind.

"I really wanted to race her today. But she went and I couldn't respond and had to diesel up. She was the strongest rider today."

Now the young Australian time trial champion and former road champion Kennedy has a new title, Queen of Willunga Hill, not only in the race but also on Strava. Her time of 8:13 shaved over a minute off former pro Carly Taylor's record.

The reason is that it would take a lot to lose a 3:11 lead in the final criterium stage.

However, it is less certain that there will be a future contender to challenge for the Willunga Hill title.

When asked if the women's race will head to Willunga Hill again next year, Conte said, "We'll see. 'I'm always up for a change of course. There are so many spectacular climbs here in South Australia that have yet to be explored. It keeps the riders on their toes.

It is no surprise that Gigante would love to see the race return, and Kennedy, who finished second in the race, is also hoping for another chance at the crown.

"I've wanted to get Willunga Hill in the Tour Down Under for years, so it's exciting to see it happen.