Giro Rosa: Italian cyclist Claudia Cretti is in a coma after crash

Claudia Cretti (fourth from left) has toured with Italy women's team

Italian cyclist Claudia Cretti is in an induced coma in hospital after crashing during the Giro Rosa.

The 21-year-old collided with the barriers during stage seven of the women's Tour of Italy on Thursday.

She was flown to hospital in Benevento and is said to be critical but stable with serious head and shoulder injuries.

Her team, Valcar-PBM, have confirmed she has had surgery to relieve the pressure on her brain.

The team said: "We thank all those who have sent messages of affection from the entire cycling world. In particular, we thank the media for having treated this dramatic event with tact and delicacy.

"Finally we thank Benevento's hospital doctors who are doing their best job."