The UCI, the governing body of cycling, later states that van Vleuten “continues to be under examination”, but has “no serious medical problem,” being “conscious and [able to] communicate”.

Annemiek later spoke out herself, posting to social media to say: “I am now in the hospital with some injuries and fractures but will be fine. Most of all super disappointed after best race of my career.”

The crash came just one day after Italian road riding favourite Vincenzo Nibali had broken his collarbone in the men’s race, and Chris Boardman, the former British Olympic gold medallist in Rio for the event, was scathing in his criticism of the course.