Dario Cataldo crashed dramatically on the final descent in today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana. Despite having finished the stage, the Italian has been forced to withdraw from the race.

Dario Cataldo has been forced to withdraw from the Vuelta a Espana on medical advice following his stage 19 crash.

The Italian was riding towards the head of the peloton on the descent off the Alto Monte Faro when he crashed at high speed.

Cataldo suffered a blow to the head and an injured shoulder but was able to bravely remount and finish the stage before being taken to hospital for a medical assessment.

Despite being cleared after a full scan Cataldo will not take the start of Saturday’s 20th stage.

Team Sky Doctor Richard Usher confirmed: “Dario suffered a hard crash and upon finishing the stage he was taken to hospital for a full medical assessment.

“He has an injured shoulder and took a blow to the head but his scan came back fine and he was cleared to return to the team hotel where medical staff will continue to observe him.

“Dario is very disappointed as he wanted to continue the race, but on medical advice, and for his own health and safety, he will not be taking the start on Saturday.”