Pozzovivo conscious after Giro horror crash

Italian Domenico Pozzovivo is "conscious and lucid" after being carried away motionless on a stretcher following a crash in a descent during the third stage of the Giro d'Italia, his team said on Monday.

Italian rider Domenico Pozzovivo. (AAP) Source: ANSA

"According to the race doctor, Pozzovivo has been evacuated conscious and lucid," French outfit AG2R-La Mondiale said on their Twitter feed.

Pozzovivo, one of the contenders for a podium finish, hit the ground head first with about 40km left in the 136km ride between Rapallo and Sestri Levante.

The 32-year-old, fifth overall in last year's race, was put in an ambulance wearing a neck brace and wrapped in a survival blanket.

The accident brought back memories of the 2011 Giro during which Belgian Wouter Weylandt died after crashing during the third stage.