Debora Silvestri, an Italian cyclist, was taken to the hospital following a terrifying crash during the women’s Milan-San Remo one-day classic on Saturday, March 21.

The shocking incident occurred near the end of the race, when several riders were caught in a pile-up and left on the ground.

Silvestri tumbled over a roadside barrier and landed headfirst on the other side while attempting to avoid the crash.

After falling several metres, the Italian landed on a lower section of the road and collapsed on the floor.

Her team, Laboral Kutxa, released a statement shortly afterwards to provide an update on her condition.   

They said: “Debora Silvestri has suffered a fall on the Cipressa descent. 

“She is conscious and on her way to the hospital to receive care.” 

They later added: “She will remain hospitalised for the next few hours under medical supervision, and further tests will be conducted to assess the extent of the injuries.” 

Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky went on to win the 156km race following the chaotic scenes, narrowly edging out Switzerland’s Noemi Ruegg in a sprint for the line. 

However, despite her victory, the race was overshadowed by the incident and Kopecky reflected this with her comments as she said: “I hope everyone is okay.”