Strade Bianche is a unique experience for many, with the dust of the white gravel roads often transforming the race into a true war. Fighting for victory on Saturday was Tour de France winner Katarzyna Niewiadoma, but her battle ended before the finish line.

The Polish rider, among the top favorites for victory, crashed about 50 kilometers from the finish line and immediately showed difficulty getting back up. The two-time European champion was promptly assisted by her teammate, former professional Taylor Phinney, who immediately took her to the hospital.

Treated in the Siena emergency room, Niewiadoma wanted to post images of her body, showing the clear signs of the fall, but also with a smile to reassure those who were worried about her. Both Phinney and Niewiadoma wanted to thank the hospital for the care received and at the same time emphasized how this crash could have caused more serious damage.

In particular, Niewiadoma explained how a race is now different for her and that victory is not everything, highlighting the risks in a cyclist's profession. The gravel world champion knows she will soon be able to race again, but now her attention on the bike will certainly be much higher.