Debora Silvestri Crash & Pogacar Win at Milan-San Remo 2024

Italian cyclist Debora Silvestri suffered five broken ribs and a micro fracture to her shoulder in a crash during Saturday’s Milan-San Remo women’s race, her team confirmed. The 27-year-aged Laboral Kutxa rider tumbled over a guardrail on the descent of the Cipressa climb, approximately 20 kilometers from the finish of the 156km classic.

Silvestri was transported to a hospital and initially reported to be in stable condition. She later detailed the extent of her injuries in a social media post. “I sense quite good, five ribs broken and microfracture on shoulder… Could be worse,” she wrote on Instagram. “Time to recover but no worries, I will come back. Thanks team Laboral Kutxa for the support.”

The crash involved several riders, including pre-race favorites Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, who was forced to withdraw from the race, and Kim Le Court-Pienaar, who finished 99th after remounting. Lotte Kopecky ultimately won the race, edging out Noemi Rüegg and Eleonora Gasparrini in a sprint finish.

The incident occurred on a challenging descent, prompting concern among commentators. “This is absolutely terrible, what an absolute horror sight to see,” one commentator said, according to reports. Laboral Kutxa stated that Silvestri was conscious when being taken to hospital and would remain under medical observation for further assessment.

In the men’s race, Tadej Pogacar secured victory despite a crash of his own approximately 30km from the finish line. Pogacar, bloodied and bruised, recovered to beat Tom Pidcock by half a wheel, claiming the title for the first time. Last year’s winner, Mathieu van der Poel, likewise fell during the race but was able to rejoin the peloton.

Pogacar’s victory came after a fierce battle with Pidcock and van der Poel on the Poggio climb, the final ascent before the finish. He launched a decisive attack halfway up the climb, dropping van der Poel and ultimately holding off Pidcock’s challenge in a close sprint.