Finlay Tarling dead aged 19: British cyclist dies after serious accident during eighth stage of Volta a Portugal
British cyclist Finlay Tarling has died today after a tragic accident during the Volta a Portugal.
The Welsh rider, 19, was on the eighth stage of the race when the incident occurred on a 166.8km route to Fafe, in the north of the country.
In a statement, his team 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
The organisation added that the usual podium ceremony would not take place out of ‘respect and mourning’.
Tarling’s older brother Josh is a world champion cyclist on the track and a stage winner at last year’s Giro d’Italia.
Portuguese newspaper RTP reported that the incident had allegedly been caused by a vehicle that was not involved in the race.
The report stated that the car had driven on the wrong side of the road and collided with Tarling, who had been behind the peloton.
The rider 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’.
He 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…
