Josh Ibbett, winner of the Transcontinental Race in 2015, has been forced to abandon this year’s edition within the first 24 hours due to the recurrence of a back injury.

The unsupported cross-Europe race to Istanbul in Turkey began in Geraardsbergen, Belgium, at 10pm on Friday evening.

On Saturday afternoon, race organisers confirmed that the British rider had been forced to withdraw at Romilly-sur-Seine, southwest of Paris, after covering more than 300 kilometres in less than 14 hours.

The race is currently being led by the Belgian rider Kristof Allegaert, winner of the inaugural edition in 2013 and who successfully defended his title 12 months later.