Rio 2016: Van Vleuten suffers fractured spine

Dutch cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten is to spend the night in intensive care after it was revealed she had suffered small fractures to her spine.

Van Vleuten was leading the women's road race at Rio 2016 when she came off her bike in shocking fashion in the closing stages of  the 136.9-kilometre race, careering off the road on the final descent.

Following concerns the 33-year-old had sustained a serious injury, the Royal Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU) announced she had been transported to hospital but was "okay".

It was subsequently confirmed that Van Vleuten had suffered concussion and three minor fractures to her lower back.

The KNWU also disclosed that Van Vleuten was conscious and talking.

Anna van der Breggen, also representing Netherlands, went on to take victory ahead of Emma Johansson (Sweden) and Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy).