The grandfather of Welsh cyclist Finlay Tarling, who was tragically killed last week, has passed away. The sad news of Gerald Tarling's death has been shared by the family on social media, just days after 19-year-old Fin died after colliding with a van during a race in Portugal.
Family announcement
"It's with very heavy hearts we have to let people know about the passing of Gerald Tarling," the post read. "As a family it's been an horrific week but we know he's looking after Finlay Tarling now."
Tributes have poured in on social media since the news was announced. One well-wisher wrote: "One of the nicest people one could wish to know. A perfect Gentleman, always in our hearts, you fought so hard Gerald." Another said: "A devastating week, our thoughts are with you."
Finlay's tragic accident
Finlay, a rising star in the world of cycling, was killed while competing in the 2026 Volta a Portugal on August 14. The youngster died after colliding with a van that had mistakenly entered the course after being incorrectly waved through.
Lieutenant colonel Carlos Canatário, a spokesperson for the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) - the force investigating the incident - told RTP that Tarling was riding alone at the back of the pack as a chaser and, during a descent, was going too fast for a support car to keep up with him. As Tarling took the inside line in a left-hand turn, a van suddenly appeared there, having allegedly pulled over to let the cyclists pass.
Investigation and family support
Canatário added: "After waiting there for a while and seeing that no one else was coming, he asked if he could continue driving." He added that the collision occurred due to the driver unexpectedly "continuing on in the opposite direction", IDL Pro Cycling reports, with Tarling also unexpectedly taking the inside turn. Canatário continued that the investigation will continue and pledged "more evidence will be gathered".
Meanwhile, Finlay's mother Dawn has confirmed Finlay's older brother Josh is set to return to cycling. Josh's participation in the Vuelta a Espana for Netcompany INEOS was recently thrown into doubt, but his selection in the team was confirmed on Thursday - with his family publicly backing his decision.
"On Saturday Joshua will be riding the Vuelta," she said. "He has chosen to do so in honour of his brother Fin, with the full support of his family, surrounded by a team who have been incredibly supportive of whatever decision he made. I could not have wished for two boys who were closer growing up and into adulthood we have watched with pride as Joshua has been the most loving and supportive big brother to Fin. Following this devastating news he has been an incredible strength for us all. Finlay was so incredibly proud of his big brother, and would be watching nose to the tv and shouting as he competed. So it is right that Josh honours that love and pride by doing what Fin always loved watching him do."
