Following a high-speed crash a few kilometers before the Cipressa climb on Saturday's Milano-Sanremo, Daniele Bennati was diagnosed on Sunday with a fractured L4 vertebra. The Italian rider will now have an enforced period of rest for at least a month before he can resume training.

The unpredictable and tough "La Classicissima" took its toll on the Tinkoff squad, when Bennati was involved in a crash approximately five kilometers before the start of the Cipressa climb. Riding at more than 50km/h on a flat stretch before the climb, Bennati was unable to react to a pileup that took place in front of him. He was toppled from his bike and fell, landing on his left buttock.

Suffering from acute pain, Bennati underwent scanning on Sunday which confirmed a fracture on the L4 vertebra. He will now have to rest for a period of 30 days before further assessments can be made on his return to racing.

It's a huge setback for Peter Sagan who loses a key support rider for the classics.