San Remo, Italy – Three days after a harrowing crash marred the final stretch of Milan-San Remo Donne, Italian cyclist Debora Silvestri remains hospitalized and continues to require respiratory support, her team, Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi, confirmed on Monday, March 24, 2026. The incident, which occurred during the descent of the Cipressa, sent shockwaves through the cycling world and highlighted the inherent risks of the sport.
The crash unfolded as Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney initiated a move, leading to a collective fall that involved several riders. Silvestri, unfortunately, bore the brunt of the impact, going over the safety barrier and landing heavily. The scene, captured by numerous cameras, showed Silvestri motionless on the roadside, prompting immediate concern from fellow competitors and medical personnel.
Initial reports indicated the severity of Silvestri’s injuries. The rider herself revealed on Instagram that she had sustained five broken ribs and a micro fracture to her shoulder, acknowledging that the outcome could have been far worse. “I have five broken ribs and a micro fracture to the shoulder, it could have been worse,” she posted, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi provided an update via Twitter, stating that due to the severity of the chest trauma, Silvestri continues to need respiratory assistance. The team’s medical staff, in collaboration with the hospital’s healthcare professionals, have decided to extend her hospitalization for a few additional days to ensure her continued recovery.
Parte médico 💊🩺
Debora Silvestri continúa mostrando una evolución clínica favorable, en línea con la gravedad de las lesiones sufridas.
Como consecuencia del fuerte traumatismo torácico, todavía requiere soporte respiratorio por lo que el cuerpo médico del equipo, junto a… pic.twitter.com/2jog5xlPpO
— LABORALKutxaTeam (@LABORALkTeam) March 24, 2026
The crash wasn’t without impact on other riders. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, the first to hit the barriers, sustained cuts and bruises but was fortunate to avoid more serious injury. She reflected on the incident, stating, “As my coach said, ‘If you don’t accept risk, it’s not topsport.'” Niewiadoma-Phinney was praised for her sportsmanship, with Kim Le Court-Pienaar, another rider involved in the crash, expressing gratitude for her assistance. Le Court-Pienaar was also affected by the fall, having her race ruined as a result.
The Milan-San Remo Donne race is known for its challenging course and the potential for incidents, particularly on the swift and winding descent of the Cipressa. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by professional cyclists, even at the highest levels of the sport. The Cipressa climb and descent, with its blind corners, demands both technical skill and a degree of calculated risk-taking from the riders.
This incident echoes similar crashes in recent cycling history, including Annemiek van Vleuten’s fall at the 2016 Rio Olympics, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the sport. Crashes, while unfortunate, are an inherent part of cycling, as Kim Le Court succinctly put it: “That’s bike racing.”
The men’s Milan-San Remo followed the women’s race over much of the same course, carrying the same inherent risks. The contrast highlights the shared challenges and dangers faced by both male and female professional cyclists.
Silvestri’s condition will continue to be monitored closely by the Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi medical team. Further updates on her recovery will be provided as they grow available. The team has not yet announced a timeline for her return to competition, prioritizing her health and well-being above all else.
The cycling community has rallied around Silvestri, sending messages of support and wishing her a speedy recovery. The incident has sparked renewed discussion about safety measures in professional cycling, particularly on challenging descents like the Cipressa.
What’s Next: The Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi team will continue to provide updates on Debora Silvestri’s condition. Fans can follow the team’s official Twitter account (@LABORALkTeam) for the latest information. The cycling calendar continues with other spring classics, and teams will be focused on preparing for upcoming races while also prioritizing rider safety.
Archysport will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
Related reading
