'They didn't look good' – Kim Le Court-Pienaar gives update on serious Milan-San Remo Women crash which saw Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney among the fallers

A significant incident marred the inaugural Milan-San Remo Women as a mass pile-up occurred on the treacherous descent of the Cipressa. Among the numerous riders involved was Canyon-SRAM's Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, who, according to Team Coop-Repsol's Kim Le Court-Pienaar, was seen looking "not good" after the high-speed crash. The incident disrupted the race's decisive phase, with several contenders hitting the deck hard, raising immediate concerns for their well-being and future participation.

This unfortunate event underscores the inherent risks of professional cycling, particularly on technical descents during high-stakes races like Milan-San Remo. Niewiadoma-Phinney, a perennial contender in hilly classics, was a key favourite, and her involvement highlights the indiscriminate nature of such crashes. The Cipressa, while not the steepest, demands absolute focus, and any misjudgment or chain reaction can have severe consequences, often derailing months of preparation and impacting crucial early-season form.

Ultimately, the Cipressa claimed its usual victims, albeit in a new women's race. One can only hope the physical toll on the riders is less severe than the immediate disruption to what promised to be a thrilling finale.