Cape Town - Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka have confirmed that Mark Cavendish sustained "no serious injury" following a major crash within 10 kilometres of the finish of Milan-Sanremo on Saturday.
"The 32-year-old fell heavily after striking a bollard and was immediately assisted by race medical personnel, after which he was taken to a local hospital," the team said in a statement.
"Following medical imaging, it was determined that he avoided major injury in the incident.
"He did sustain a new rib fracture (5th) on the same side as the one that he damaged in the opening stage of Tirreno-Adriatico (7th).
"He also has bruising and abrasions consistent with the scale of the crash as well as a possible ligamentous ankle injury that will require further assessment once he returns home on Saturday.
"The team would like to extend a big thanks to everybody who has sent messages of concern; and we will keep you updated as and when, should additional information become available."