Relief after scary Worlds crash as Andersson escapes with broken collarbone and concussion

The 25-year-old was taken to hospital in a neck brace after remaining motionless on the road following the high-speed incident with around 94 kilometres remaining. Magdeleine Vallières, Paula Blasi and several other contenders were also caught up in a crash that dramatically reshaped the race.

At first, it did not look good for Andersson.

The Swede was lying on her back with blood visible on her face and remained motionless as medical staff attended to her. A neck brace was fitted before she was taken away by ambulance, prompting serious concern at the roadside.

Around 90 minutes later, the Swedish federation provided a more reassuring update. Andersson was conscious and able to move all four limbs. Further examinations confirmed a fractured collarbone and concussion.

Given the nature of the crash and the worrying scenes immediately afterwards, the outcome came as a significant relief.

Australian Lauretta Hanson was also taken to hospital after spending a prolonged period motionless on the tarmac. She was later confirmed to be conscious.

With 95km to go, a major crash near the front of the peloton on one of the fastest sections of Montréal’s circuit brought down more than 15 riders and delayed a significant part of the field.

Defending world champion Magdeleine Vallières suffered heavy road rash to her right thigh. The Canadian remounted and chased alongside a teammate for several laps, but eventually abandoned her title defence on home roads.

Paula Blasi was also caught behind the incident. After waiting too long for assistance, she was unable to continue and withdrew from the race.

Kim Le Court quickly found herself around a minute behind the front of the race and never managed to make her way back, leaving several major contenders out of the picture with almost half the race still to come.

The group at the front had been reduced to around thirty riders by the time the race began to settle again, with Vollering among those still in contention.

She would eventually go on to claim her first elite road world title ahead of Kasia Niewiadoma and Elisa Longo Borghini, while Marlen Reusser finished fourth.