A terrible crash affected the scratch race that opened the women's omnium at the Shanghai world championships. The main victim was the number one favorite, Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes, who hit the ground after making contact with Irish rider Lara Gillespie and was then struck by numerous athletes coming from behind. Wiebes got back up but was unable to remount and withdrew from the race.

We are awaiting updates on her physical condition - the images show her clearly in pain with her hand protecting her ribs - following the medical checks she underwent.

Elisa Balsamo was also involved, as she was riding alongside Wiebes: the Italian rider continued and finished the scratch in fifth place before competing in the tempo race, closing the first two events in sixth place with 52 points, 24 points behind Britain's Anna Morris.

La montonera en el scratch del ómnium en la que Lorena Wiebes es de las más afectadas y no podrá defender su 🌈 #Shanghai2026 https://t.co/hLjQtahSr0

— elsterrato (@elsterrato) October 16, 2026