British cyclist Finlay Tarling died on Friday after suffering a fatal incident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal. The 19-year-old Welsh rider was competing for the NSN Development Team when the accident occurred on the 166.8-kilometre route from Melgaco to Fafe.
Tarling was a specialist in time trials and had joined NSN Development Team last year. He had also represented Great Britain on the road and track and was the younger brother of Ineos rider Josh Tarling.
The NSN Development Team confirmed the teenager’s death in a statement, saying: “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.”
Race organisers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation also expressed their condolences to Tarling’s family, teammates and friends.
RACE STOPPED AFTER TRAGEDY
The eighth stage was halted following the incident, with race officials saying the decision was taken as a mark of respect.
“The organisation of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation express their most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his teammates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones,” the organisers said.
The race was neutralised until Fafe and the scheduled podium ceremony was cancelled.
Local reports said Tarling was struck by a vehicle that had entered the race route, while Major Tiago Machado of Portugal’s National Republican Guard described the incident as a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway.
CYCLING WORLD MOURNS
Tarling’s death has sent shockwaves through British and Portuguese cycling, with tributes pouring in for the young rider.
British Cycling performance director Stephen Park described Tarling as a talented cyclist with a bright future, while offering condolences to his parents Michael and Dawn, and his brother Josh.
Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro also paid tribute, saying Tarling’s death had “plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning.”
For NSN, however, the loss went beyond cycling. Tarling was remembered first as a son, brother, teammate and friend.
His death has brought a tragic end to the career of a young rider who had already represented his country and was beginning to establish himself in professional cycling.
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