Josh Tarling 's Giro d'Italia debut came to an early end on the ultra-mountainous 16th stage, with the young Ineos Grenadiers rider suffering a nasty crash early on.

Tarling, who was part of an early seven-rider breakaway on a day marked by heavy rain, slid violently and hit a guardrail on the left side of the road. The conditions did not allow him to continue the race and he was taken by ambulance for checks.

For the 21-year-old Briton, it was a bitter end after a dream start to the Giro, marked by victory in the opening time trial in Albania and a second place in the time trial in Pisa. Tarling had also made his mark with two breakaways, the last of which on stage 15.

Ineos Grenadiers announced via social media that the rider is under medical observation and that updates on his condition will be provided as soon as possible. This is Tarling's second retirement in a Grand Tour, after his retirement at the 2024 Vuelta on stage 9.

A difficult day for the British team, which also saw co-captain Thymen Arensman fall in the early stages, fortunately without serious consequences which allowed him to continue the race.

With Tarling's withdrawal, the Giro peloton is reduced to 166 riders, following the planned withdrawals of young sprinters Milan Fretin (Cofidis) and Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) on the third rest day.