Josh Tarling injures lower back after crash in rain on Giro d'Italia stage 16

Josh Tarling injured his lower back in a crash at the Giro d'Italia early in stage 16 in the rain, an incident which forced him to abandon the race.

The Ineos Grenadiers rider had made the day's breakaway, which was established in the first 20km of the stage. Pouring rain created treacherous conditions, and on a roundabout, the 21-year-old slid out, hitting a barrier on the side of the road as a result.

Soon after, it was confirmed that the Welshman had abandoned the race, and the next day, it was confirmed by his team that he had suffered injuries to his lower back.

The Ineos rider won stage two's time trial in Tirana, Albania, and came close to doubling up in Pisa last week, in the race's second and final time trial. He was second that day.

His team posted on X on Tuesday: "Josh Tarling has unfortunately had to abandon the Giro d’Italia following a crash on today’s stage. Our team doctor is with him and he is undergoing further assessment. We will provide an update on his condition as soon as possible."

On Wednesday morning, Ineos Grenadiers expanded: "Following his crash on Stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia, Josh Tarling was immediately attended to by race medical staff and our team doctor.

"He was transported to a local hospital for a full assessment, where scans confirmed bone and soft tissue injuries to his lower back. Josh remained in hospital overnight for observation and will be discharged today.

"He will continue to be closely monitored by our medical team, with a structured rehabilitation plan in place to support his full recovery."

He is unlikely to return to his top level, or possibly even racing, in time to defend his title at the British National Road Championships next month.

Tarling's back injury is not the first at this Giro - on stage on, Mikel Landa crashed heavily and fractured a vertebrae in an incident which could keep him out of the Tour de France.