Elisa Longo Borghini withdraws from Giro d'Italia Donne after terrifying stage 5 crash

The Italian national champion, Elisa Longo Borghini had been impressing at the 2023 Giro d'Italia Donne, taking a stage win on stage 4 and proving to be the nearest challenger to Annemiek van Vleuten. That all changed after a terrifying crash on stage 5 however.

Descending at speed, the Lidl-Trek rider overshot a corner and was sent catapulting off-road and out of camera shot. Although the 31-year-old was able to remount and finish the stage, looking rather battered and bloodied in 19th position, she has now withdrawn from the race.

"She had a good night and checks performed this morning show no sign of concussion," said a statement by Lidl-Trek's official Twitter account. "However, she is still in some considerable pain, and for this reason, with regret, the Team believes the right decision is for her not to start today’s stage of the Giro d'Italia Donne."

Longo Borghini herself also made a comment, saying "Sad to leave the Giro. See you all at the Tour!"