The death of Welsh rider Fin Tarling earlier this week has sparked anger, with the cyclists' union demanding better helmets for competitors. Nineteen-year-old Tarling died on Friday during a stage of the Volta a Portugal after colliding with a vehicle not involved in the race. The fatal incident saw the stage suspended with around 20km still remaining, and an investigation is now under way.
Union Demands Better Helmets
The union's president has spoken out, with Adam Hansen telling BBC Sport there needs to be better safety measures in place, especially in reference to cyclists' helmets.
"We are speechless and filled with anger," said the Cyclistes Professionnels Associes (CPA) on social media. "It is not right that a young athlete's life should end this way, and we are furious that even today it is still not possible to prevent such serious accidents. We share in the grief of his family, friends, team, and everyone who knew Finlay. Rest in peace, young rider; we pray for you, and we will carry you in our hearts."
Hansen added: "One thing we have to look at is helmets. They need a major upgrade. Bike helmets only need to meet standard testing like all helmets, EU standard CE EN 1078 is only rated for 19.5km/h and I do not believe this is enough for road racing."
Family Tributes
Tarling's family, from Ceredigion in west Wales, released a statement thanking well-wishers for their messages of condolence. Tarling - the younger brother of British world champion rider Josh - was riding for the NSN Development Team in the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal when tragedy occurred.
His father Michael released a tribute via TNT commentator Jez Cox, with the presenter reading it out as the penultimate stage of the race resumed - with the blessing of the Tarling family - on Saturday. "If it's at all possible, please thank people on our behalf for all the messages of support that we've had, from me, Dawn and Josh," Cox said. "Knowing how many lives Fin has touched has been a tremendous help and seeing some of the happy photos of him has been heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time."
Investigation Underway
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, with Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard telling the media: "We regret to inform you of the accident and extend our condolences. We emphasise that we always prioritise maximum safety for cyclists, with a mobile and static safety device deployed throughout the entire stage to prevent accidents. The circumstances of the accident will be investigated, and a resolution will be communicated when available. The accident occurred further back in the stage, and efforts will be made to investigate. There was a collision between the cyclist and a light vehicle. We are currently investigating."
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 Melgaco 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."
