Italian Cyclist Debora Silvestri Sustains Multiple Injuries in Milan-San Remo Donne Crash

Italian cyclist Debora Silvestri is currently recovering in the hospital following a serious incident during the Milan-San Remo Donne competition. The athlete sustained multiple injuries, including five fractured ribs and a micro-fracture in her shoulder, after being involved in a high-speed fall.

The unfortunate event unfolded on the Cipressa descent, approximately 20 kilometers from the finish line of the one-day Classic. Silvestri, a rider for Laboral Kutxa-Fundaçion Euskadi, was attempting to navigate around a prior multi-rider collision when she was propelled over a guardrail. She and her bicycle plummeted several meters below road level onto an adjacent ramp.

Immediately after the fall, Silvestri remained motionless, prompting quick attention from race medical personnel. According to her team, she was conscious and stable upon being transported to the hospital, despite the severity of the impact.

The next day, Silvestri took to social media to update her followers on her condition, expressing a sense of gratitude that her injuries were not more severe given the circumstances. She acknowledged the many well-wishes she had received, stating, "Definitely not the ending I imagined… I'm doing pretty well, with five ribs and a micro fracture in my scapula... it definitely could have been worse."

She also conveyed her determination to return to the sport, adding, "Now a bit of recovery, but don't worry, I'll be back. Thanks @laboral_kutxa_team for the support." Her team, which she joined in 2023, also released a statement, expressing confidence in her recovery and thanking everyone for their support.

Silvestri had been enjoying a promising start to the 2026 season, securing strong finishes in races such as the Trofeo Binissalem-Antratx and the Pionera Race SCV. Her previous year saw her clinch the GP Ciudad de Eibar, marking her second and most significant professional victory. However, this traumatic accident at Milan-San Remo Donne means she will now face an extended period away from competition to focus on her rehabilitation.

In the second modern edition of the race, the victory ultimately went to Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime), who triumphed in a close sprint among a small leading group.