Debora Silvestri on the road to recovery after horrifying Sanremo crash

Laboral Kutxa - Fundación Euskadi provided an update on Debora Silvestri's condition after her horrific crash at the Milan-Sanremo Donne on Saturday, where the Spaniard suffered five broken ribs and a small shoulder fracture. 

"Debora Silvestri continues to show a favourable clinical response, consistent with the severity of her injuries, said the team in the released statement.

"As a result of the severe chest trauma, she still requires respiratory support; therefore, the team’s medical staff, together with the medical professionals at the centre where she is being treated, have deemed it appropriate to extend her hospital stay for a few more days. This decision is based on the desire to ensure that her recovery progresses under the best possible conditions and that she can be discharged with full medical assurance."

The race had already entered its decisive phase when the crash occurred just after the Cipressa. With just under 20 kilometres to go, the pace increased on the descent. Kasia Niewiadoma, pushing hard in pursuit, lost control in a right hand corner and hit the barriers at speed. Riders behind had almost no time to react.

Silvestri was among them. Entering the blind bend moments later, she was suddenly faced with riders already down on the road. There was no way through and she crashed heavily and was thrown several metres over the roadside barrier, lying motionless for a moment. 

The broadcast cut away quickly, but the severity of the fall was immediately clear.