Disaster for INEOS Grenadiers as Milano-Sanremo crash downs multiple riders and leaves Michal Kwiatkowski in serious pain

Milano-Sanremo 2026 was rocked by a heavy crash involving INEOS Grenadiers inside the final 70 kilometres, with Michal Kwiatkowski among the riders brought down during the fight for position ahead of the Capi.

The incident occurred as tension in the peloton sharply increased, with multiple teams forming trains and battling for space at the front of the bunch. INEOS Grenadiers and Pinarello-Q36.5 were both heavily involved, with contact between the two lines triggering a crash that took out several riders.

Kwiatkowski appeared to come off worst in the aftermath. The former world champion was seen lying on the roadside in visible pain, with images from the scene showing him down next to a roadside pole after the impact.

Several of his teammates were also caught up in the incident, including Ben Turner and Connor Swift, leaving INEOS significantly weakened at a critical moment in the race.

The timing of the crash only added to its significance. With just over 60 kilometres remaining, the peloton had begun its build-up towards the decisive phase of Milano-Sanremo. Teams were increasing the pace and fighting for position ahead of the Capo Mele, the first of the three climbs that traditionally shape the run-in to the Cipressa and Poggio.

That positioning battle is often one of the most dangerous parts of the race, and this incident proved exactly why. The crash immediately disrupted the structure of the peloton, forcing riders to slow, navigate around the fallen and attempt to reorganise as the race continued at speed.

For INEOS Grenadiers, the consequences could be significant. Losing multiple riders at this stage reduces their ability to control positioning and support their leaders ahead of the decisive climbs.

The race itself continues, but the incident has already had an impact on how the finale is likely to unfold, with one of the major teams now forced onto the back foot.

Further updates on the condition of the riders involved are expected as the situation becomes clearer.