Italian Debora Silvestri has been taken to hospital after a serious crash during the women’s Milan-San Remo one-day classic.

The incident, in which a rider went over a barrier in trying to take avoiding action, happened on the descent of the famous Cipressa climb and involved a number of competitors.

“Debora Silvestri has suffered a fall on the Cipressa descent,” said her Laboral Kutxa team., external

“She is conscious and on her way to the hospital to receive care.

“We will provide more information on her condition in the coming hours.”

Lotte Kopecky held off Noemi Ruegg in a sprint for the line to win the 156km women’s race, with the men’s race in the first Monument of the season under way.