British cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, has died after a tragic accident during the Volta a Portugal.
The Welsh teenager was riding in the eighth stage of the race when the incident occurred on a 166.8km route to Fafe.
In a statement, NSN said: ‘We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today.
‘Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to Fin’s parents Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone who was lucky enough to call Fin a friend.’
In a post on X, the Portuguese Cycling Federation spoke of their ‘most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his team-mates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones’.
British cyclist Finlay Tarling died in a serious accident during a race in Portugal on Friday
The organisation added that the usual podium ceremony would not take place out of ‘respect and mourning’.
Tarling is the younger brother of Josh, a world champion cyclist on the track and stage winner at last year’s Giro d’Italia.
Portuguese newspaper RTP reported that the incident had allegedly been caused by a vehicle that did not belong to the race.
The report stated the car had driven on the wrong side of the road and collided with Tarling, who had been behind the peloton.
Tarling was reportedly given immediate medical attention but died shortly after the crash.
Portugal’s president Antonio José Seguro said Tarling’s death ‘saddens the peloton, the race, and the country that welcomed him’.
Seguro offered his ‘deepest condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his teammates at NSN Development Team, and to the entire cycling community, joining in their grief with deep emotion.’
A statement from the International Cycling Union read: ‘The UCI is deeply saddened by the tragic death of British rider Finlay Tarling, who passed away following a serious accident during today’s 8th stage of the Volta a Portugal.
‘The UCI extends its deepest condolences to Finlay’s family, friends, and teammates.’
More to follow…
