“If you don’t take risks it’s not topsport” – Kasia Niewiadoma fortunate to escape serious injury after Milano-Sanremo Cipressa crash
Cycling
Kasia Niewiadoma has shared a calm and reflective update in the aftermath of the heavy Cipressa crash that disrupted Milano-Sanremo Women 2026, confirming she escaped without serious injury despite the severity of the incident.
The Polish rider was one of the key figures caught up in the crash on the descent of the Cipressa, a moment that reshaped the race and removed several contenders from the finale.
“It’s about perspectives, right? And as my coach said, if you don’t take risks, it’s not topsport,” Niewiadoma wrote in a post shared on Instagram after the race. “I probably could’ve been more cautious, but at the same time I wanted to seize every opportunity.”
Relief after frightening Cipressa fall
Given how the crash unfolded, Niewiadoma’s update quickly shifted the focus towards reassurance. “I’m fortunate to get out of it with road rashes and bruises only… thankful for my team’s support and Kim Le Court making sure I was okay! Much appreciated!”
The incident had appeared far more serious in real time, particularly on the technical descent where multiple riders were unable to avoid the initial fall. Niewiadoma’s confirmation that she escaped with relatively minor injuries offers a positive outcome after one of the most alarming moments of the race.
She also made a point of acknowledging the wider impact of the crash. “And I hope that all riders affected by the crash today are okay.”
Peloton rallies around Niewiadoma
Niewiadoma’s post quickly drew responses from across the peloton, underlining both the severity of the incident and the support among riders after such moments.
Kim Le Court, who was also involved in the crash, replied: “I’m glad you’re okay.”
Race winner Lotte Kopecky echoed that sentiment with a simple message: “Glad you’re okay.”
Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini added: “Forza Kasia,” while Elisa Chabbey wrote: “All my heart with you my friend.”
Those reactions reflected a shared understanding of the risks taken in races like Milano-Sanremo, where positioning battles and high-speed descents can quickly turn chaotic.
Niewiadoma was fortunate to escape her Cipressa crash without serious injury
Crash that reshaped the race
The Cipressa crash proved to be a decisive turning point in Milano-Sanremo Women 2026, breaking up the race just as the finale was beginning to take shape.
Several riders were either eliminated or forced into a chase, altering the dynamics ahead of the Poggio and influencing how the race was ultimately decided. While Lotte Kopecky went on to claim victory on the Via Roma, the incident remained one of the defining moments of the day.
Niewiadoma’s reaction captured that balance. A rider acknowledging the risks that come with racing at the highest level, while also recognising how quickly those risks can turn into something far more serious.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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