Italian cyclist Debora Silvestri was rushed to hospital this afternoon following a horrifying incident during the women's Milan-Sanremo race.
The 27-year-old was attempting to avoid a pile-up on the descent of the famous Cipressa climb when she was catapulted over a guardrail.
Television footage captured the terrifying moment as Silvestri landed head-first on a slip road below, having plummeted what appeared to be at least 10 feet.
The Laboral Kutxa rider lay motionless after the impact, prompting gasps from commentators covering the 156km one-day classic live on Eurosport.
Multiple competitors were caught up in the initial collision on the steep downhill corner.
Her team moved swiftly to provide an update on her condition following the frightening scenes.
Laboral Kutxa said: "Debora Silvestri has suffered a fall on the Cipressa descent.
"She is conscious and on her way to the hospital to receive care."
Italian cyclist Debora Silvestri was rushed to hospital this afternoon following a horrifying incident during the women's Milan-Sanremo race
|EUROSPORT
They added: "We will provide more information on her condition in the coming hours."
The Spanish-based squad, which Silvestri has represented since 2023, confirmed the Italian was alert despite the severity of the crash.
Helicopter cameras broadcasting the race quickly panned away from the stricken rider after capturing the initial impact, with medical teams rushing to attend to her.
Belgian star Lotte Kopecky claimed victory in the race, holding off Switzerland's Noemi Ruegg in a sprint finish along the Via Roma, with Italy's Eleonora Gasparrini completing the podium.
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Debora Silvestri was attempting to avoid a pile-up on the descent of the famous Cipressa climb when she was catapulted over a guardrail
|GETTY
Kopecky had escaped with a group over the Poggio, the final climb before the finish, to set up the decisive sprint.
However, celebrations were muted given the circumstances surrounding Silvestri's condition.
"I hope everyone is OK," said Kopecky after crossing the line.
The men's edition of the prestigious Monument race was already underway as news of Silvestri's hospitalisation emerged, with the women's event covering 156 kilometres from Milan to the Ligurian coast.
Footage of the crash spread rapidly across social media, with viewers expressing horror at what they had witnessed.
One spectator wrote online: "That was brutal to witness, she didn't move."
Another described it as "one of the most terrible crashes I have witnessed."
Polish champion Kasia Niewiadoma, the former Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift competitor, was among those who hit the ground on the treacherous corner, triggering the chain reaction that ultimately sent Silvestri over the barrier.
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