Female cyclist slashed in the face in Melbourne robbery

Despite suffering critical stab wounds a female cyclist has managed to pedal 50 metres down a Melbourne street and flag down a passer-by after a vicious armed robbery.

The woman in her 30s was riding in North Melbourne about 2.30am today when she was approached by three people, one of whom produced a knife and demanded her bike and belongings, police say.

The man then slashed the cyclist in the face, neck, torso and upper arms, before the group - comprising two men and a woman - fled on foot.

The victim pedalled 50 metres then walked to Flemington Road where she flagged down a passer-by who called police.

She was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition. She will undergo emergency surgery today.

The offenders remain on the run.