A 19-year-old British cyclist died on Friday after being struck by a vehicle during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal, according to his team and multiple cycling organizations.
Finlay Tarling, a Welsh time trial specialist who rode for the NSN Development Team, was fatally injured during the stage between Melgaço and Fafe, according to a
statement from the Volta a Portugal organization and the Portuguese Cycling Federation. Portuguese broadcaster RTP reported that Tarling was hit by a non-race vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
The NSN Cycling Team confirmed Tarling's death in a social media
post on Friday, writing that the team was "heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today." The team added: "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."
The team extended condolences to Tarling's parents, Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and "everyone who was lucky enough to call Fin a friend," closing with, "Rest in peace, Fin."
The Volta a Portugal organization and the Portuguese Cycling Federation said in a joint statement that they "deeply regret" Tarling's death and extended their "deepest condolences" to his family, teammates, the NSN Development Team, and his friends and loved ones. As a result of the crash, organizers neutralized the race until it reached Fafe and canceled that day's scheduled podium ceremony "as a sign of respect and mourning.” Officials said additional information would be released as circumstances allow.
Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro also responded to the death, saying it had "plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning.”
The International Cycling Union, known as the UCI,
said on social media that it was "deeply saddened by the tragic death" of Tarling, calling the crash "a serious accident during today's 8th stage of the Volta a Portugal." The organization extended condolences to Tarling's "family, friends, teammates and everyone at NSN Development Team, as well as to the entire cycling community."
British Cycling also issued a
statement mourning Tarling, describing him as "a hugely talented rider with a bright future ahead, a loyal teammate, and a brilliant young man.” The federation said its thoughts were with Tarling's parents and his brother, Josh.
Netcompany INEOS Cycling Team, another professional team, also posted a
tribute on Facebook, saying it stood "together with Josh and his family at this incredibly difficult time," and extended condolences to "Josh, Michael, Dawn and the entire Tarling family, as well as Fin's teammates, friends and all those who knew and loved him."
Tarling had competed as a time trial specialist for Wales before joining the NSN Development Team last year. He was 19 at the time of his death.
Reuters contributed to this report.
