A teacher was left sprawled on the pavement after being mown down by a Giro d’Italia rider who crashed headlong into spectators during a high-speed stage.

The horrific smash happened in Baiano, a town in the province of Avellino, Italy, on 15th May.

Footage shows the cyclist falling and sliding along the road before slamming into the woman, sending her flying forwards onto her face.

She was standing on the roadside with no barrier for protection and had no chance to react.

The impact knocked her flat and slammed her head onto the ground.

Bystanders rushed to help as others screamed in horror.

The woman, named as Antonella D'Avella, a local teacher in her forties, managed to get back on her feet shortly afterwards.

Medics arrived quickly and stretchered her to the nearby San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital in Avellino.

Doctors confirmed she had suffered several injuries including a bruised shoulder but said she was stable and able to speak the following morning.

The incident occurred during stage 8 of the Giro d’Italia.

The Giro is a three-week Grand Tour held annually across Italy, attracting the world’s top cyclists and millions of fans.

The crash was widely reported at the time and caused shock among viewers and race organisers.

The race continued without delay, but the incident sparked serious debate about spectator safety and the responsibilities of organisers.

Now, however, the video of the crash has surfaced online and reignited public anger over the lack of protection for fans like Antonella.

Police have launched an investigation and legal proceedings are expected.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)