Letizia Paternoster suffered a concussion and a broken collarbone Saturday evening after crashing in the elimination race of the European Championships in Munich. The competition was suspended for 45 minutes in the aftermath of the mass crash in which Paternoster was injured.

Paternoster remained conscious but was treated on the course for nearly 30 minutes after the crash. She was then taken by ambulance to a hospital in Bogenhausen, where she spent the night under observation.

"She was a little confused, but she immediately asked me which race she had to compete in tomorrow," Italian national coach Marco Villa told Tuttobici (open in new tab). 'She had pain in her shoulder and had definitely hit her head as well. She asked the doctor to give her some air and oxygen."

Italian Federation doctor Antonio Angelucci said Paternoster had "no memory" of the crash, and La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that she would undergo surgery on her collarbone on Sunday.

Paternoster posted her recovery status on social media Sunday morning, writing: "I try to smile and think about my next goal! Broke my collarbone in 3 pieces and also hit my head." Thanks everyone for the messages.

Paternoster, the reigning world champion in elimination racing, was one of the favorites to win Saturday night's event. The race was ultimately won by Lotte Kopecky (Belgium) over Pfeiffer Georgi (UK), with Milene de Zoete (Netherlands) taking the bronze medal.

"That crash could have happened to me or anyone else. Everyone here knows that track cycling is a dangerous sport. Paternoster is my biggest rival and I hope she doesn't get seriously hurt."