Police have launched an investigation after Welsh cyclist Finlay Tarling was killed in a collision with a van during the Volta a Portugal. Tarling, 19, the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos and Great Britain world champion rider Josh Tarling, died after being struck by a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction to the race during Friday's eighth stage.
Police confirm investigation
Portuguese police have confirmed an investigation is under way as authorities seek to establish exactly what happened in the moments before the fatal collision. The race organisation initially described the incident only as a “serious accident”, but police said the vehicle involved was travelling in the opposite direction to the race when it collided with Tarling, who was from Ffos-y-ffin near Aberaeron.
Police said in a statement: “A light goods vehicle was travelling on the road in the opposite direction to the race, and the cyclist collided with it, resulting in the tragic incident.”
Details of the crash
According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, the crash happened at around 3.40pm on the N306 road between Paredes de Coura and Ponte de Lima in Arcozelo. The report said the driver had apparently made a U-turn, bringing the vehicle into the path of Tarling, who was riding outside the main peloton. It was reported that the driver believed the peloton had already passed before Tarling collided with the vehicle head-on.
The tragic incident brought the eighth stage between Melgaço and Fafe to an end, with the race neutralised through to the finish.
Reactions and tributes
The Volta a Portugal organisation and Portuguese Cycling Federation said in a statement: “The organisation of the 87th Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta Jogos Santa Casa deeply regrets to announce the death of British rider Finlay Tarling, of NSN Development Team, following a serious accident during Stage 8 of the race, between Melgaço and Fafe.
“At this moment of profound shock and sadness, the Volta a Portugal organisation and the Portuguese Cycling Federation extend their deepest condolences to Finlay Tarling’s family, his team-mates, NSN Development Team and all of his friends and loved ones.”
The statement added: “In light of this tragic event, the race will be neutralised through to the finish in Fafe and, as a mark of respect and mourning, today’s planned podium ceremony will not take place. The organisation will provide further information as soon as circumstances allow.”
Tarling was racing for NSN Development Team and had been regarded as a promising young rider. His team 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.”
The tragic nature of the news was also evident when tearful TNT Sports television commentator Jez Cox was forced to announce Tarling's death live on air. Cox told viewers: “What I have to tell you is not just bad news, it is absolutely horrific news.”
Reading out the official statement, he added: “Nothing in my life has prepared me for what to say next. All I can say is that we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. It is not the type of announcement I have ever wanted to make about a rider and I am so very, very sorry.”
Cycling's governing body, the UCI, said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic death of British rider Finlay Tarling, who passed away following a serious accident during today’s eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.”
Stephen Park, the performance director for the Great Britain cycling team, said: “All of us at British Cycling are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal. Fin was a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man.
“Our deepest sympathies are with his parents and brother, Josh at this tragic time.”
