This is the shocking moment a cyclist crashed on a road after losing her balance during a race in China.

Footage shows the athlete leaning onto her opponent mid-competition, just metres away from the finish line during the Zhejiang Dawan District Cycling Open on June 29.

Moments later, she can be seen falling out of control before plunging off her bike and crashing to the ground at the Qiantang Roller Skating Center.

The woman rolled over on impact, skidding across the asphalt while other participants continued to speed past.

Local media reported that the athlete sustained wounds on her shoulder and legs.

Some onlookers speculated that she had deliberately tried to block her competitor to prevent her from taking first place.

Others defended her, arguing that it would have been unreasonable and far too dangerous to attempt such a risky move when everyone was riding at high speed.

The incident sparked widespread discussion, prompting the race winner to speak up and clear her opponent's name.

She explained that the weather was extremely hot, and the sun was so bright that the woman likely had not noticed there was another rider so close beside her.