Cyclist Debora Silvestri was transported to hospital on Saturday afternoon after a crash during the women’s edition of Milano-Sanremo. Silvestri was following Polish champion Kasia Niewiadoma down the descent of the Cipressa – the penultimate climb of the prestigious race when the former Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift competitor lost control on a corner.
Multiple riders fell from their bikes, including Silvestri who struck a fallen rider and was thrown over the barrier, landing on a slip road several metres from the road. And fans were quick to voice their worries on social media.
« Oh no, what a horrible crash. I hope everyone will be okay, » one fan stated. Whilst a second added: « That Laboral riders crash was absolutely horrifying, I hope she is as okay as she can be!
« A reminder how inherently dangerous road racing can be. Hoping they’re all OK, » a third said. As a fourth stated: « She was launched, one of the most terrible crashes I have witnessed. It seemed that she was able to move her leg though. »
And another said: « That was brutal to witness, she didn’t move. Hope they’re all ok. »
Silvestri’s team have now issued fans with an update via a post on X (formerly Twitter). « Debora Silvestri has suffered a fall on the Cipressa descent, » the update read. « She is conscious and on her way to the hospital to receive care. We will provide more information on her condition in the coming hours. »
The race was claimed by Belgian sensation Lotte Kopecky, who broke clear with a group over the Poggio and prevailed in the sprint finish.
Nevertheless, the drama was only beginning as the men’s race delivered an edition for the history books. Tadej Pogacar joked he’d rather win Sanremo than a fifth Tours de France.
With 35km remaining, the Slovenian superstar crashed and the race appeared to have slipped beyond his grasp. Yet, following a relentless pursuit, he rejoined the leaders on the Cipressa and instantly responded, taking Matieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock with him.
The trio arrived at the base of the Poggio with a 10-second advantage – Pogacar repeatedly surged up the short, gradual ascent, managing to drop Van der Poel.
However, Pidcock remained on his bike and was only narrowly beaten in a sprint on the Via Roma, with the chasing group finishing four seconds behind.
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