Aussie cyclist in horror crash caused by spectator

Australian cyclist Loren Rowney has been involved in a horror crash caused by a spectator during the European women's cycling tour.

Rowney was racing for the finish line of the Molecaten Drentse 8 in The Netherlands when a spectator threw out their hand and grabbed her handlebars, causing the South African-born cyclist to cartwheel dangerously.

The 26-year-old was sent head-first over the handlebars of her bike before literally crawling over the finish line.

She was immediately treated by medical officers and initial reports suggest she has suffered a broken collarbone.

Race winner Georgia Bronzini described the scenes.

"I thought at first that maybe it was my fault," she told journalists.

"But I've already seen the footage and it looks like a spectator grips her wheel. Very strange."

Runner-up Valentina Scandolara said that the crash had spoiled the race.

"I saw Loren crashing. I have seen the video now. I didn't realise that a spectator had hit her until I saw it."

"I was happy for the sprint I had but more sad for the terrible crash that Loren had."

Rowney took to Twitter to thank fans for their support.