Italian cyclist Debora Silvestri is ‘in good spirits’ despite being involved in a terrifying crash on Saturday, her team have revealed.
Silvestri was taken to hospital following a shocking incident towards the end of the Milan-San Remo race when several riders were involved in a pile-up and left on the ground.
She arrived late to the incident, but in her efforts to avoid the crash, Silvestri tumbled over a roadside barrier headfirst in worrying scenes.
The Italian landed on a lower section of the road after falling several metres, and she lay stricken on the floor.
And on Sunday morning, her team Laboral Kutxa provided an update on her health.
‘After remaining hospitalised under medical supervision overnight, Debora Silvestri continues to evolve favourably,’ they said in a statement on X titled ‘medical report update’.
Italian cyclist Debora Silvestri is ‘in good spirits’ despite being involved in a terrifying crash
In her efforts to avoid a pile-up, Silvestri (in pink bottom right) tumbled over a roadside barrier
‘She is in good spirits and with the strength to face her recovery, and she will remain in the hospital in the coming hours to continue being monitored.
‘The team’s medical staff trusts that her condition will continue to improve. From the team, we will continue to report on her progress.
‘Both the cyclist and the team want to sincerely thank everyone for all the messages of support and encouragement received in the last hours.’
Silvestri had previously taken to Instagram on Saturday night to confirm that she broke five ribs and sustained a micro fracture to her shoulder in the brutal incident.
‘I feel quite good, five ribs broken and a micro fracture on shoulder – could be worse,’ she defiantly posted.
‘Time to recover but no worries, I will come back.’
Laboral Kutxa also released a statement shortly after the crash to provide an update.
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.’
Two of the favorites for the race, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Kim Le Court-Pienaar, were also involved in the crash.
Niewiadoma-Phinney was unable to continue, while Le Court-Pienaar remounted but finished in 99th place.
