Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2023: Elisa Longo Borghini wipes out Lotte Kopecky and rivals in ‘massive crash’

Defending champion Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo) slid out on a muddy section of cobblestones at Paris-Roubaix Femmes to cause a dramatic crash among a strong group of favourites.

The Italian was leading over a dozen riders in pursuit of the day’s breakaway when she suddenly lost control with 37km remaining, falling to one side and sparking a mass pile-up behind. Pre-race favourite Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) and Elisa Balsamo (Trek-Segafredo) were among those caught up in the carnage.

Only Romy Kasper (AG Insurance – Soudal Quick-Step) managed to avoid the chaos, with the German forced to undertake a one-woman chase as her fellow riders hauled themselves off the road.

“It’s so unpredictable – Elisa Longo Borghini just sliding out on the mud,” said Dani Christmas on Eurosport commentary.

“Even when you’re the first rider in the line, it just shows you can never relax because you have to keep that concentration all the time. This road is so slippery from the mud.

“This has completely changed the dynamics of the race. We’ve got Romy Kasper on her own, the only rider that was able to avoid that massive crash. This is not what we want to see at all.”

Kopecky’s hopes appeared to be over as she drifted back between the team cars before the Dutchwoman launched a brilliant recovery to latch back onto the chase group as the race headed for a thrilling finale.

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