Police have opened an investigation following the death of Welsh cyclist Finlay Tarling, who 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 during Friday's eighth stage of the race.
Investigation Under Way
Portuguese authorities have confirmed that an investigation is now under way as officials seek to piece together exactly what occurred in the moments leading up to the fatal crash. Race organisers initially referred to the incident only as a "serious accident", but police confirmed the vehicle involved had collided with Tarling, who hailed from Ffos-y-ffin near Aberaeron.
Police said in a statement: "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."
Crash Details
According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, the crash took place at approximately 3.40pm on the N306 road between Paredes de Coura and Ponte de Lima in Arcozelo. The report stated the driver had seemingly executed a U-turn, positioning the vehicle into Tarling's path, who was cycling outside the main peloton. It was reported that the driver believed the peloton had already passed before Tarling struck the vehicle head-on.
The tragic incident concluded the eighth stage between Melgaco and Fafe, 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 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."
Tarling was competing for NSN Development Team and had been considered a promising young cyclist. 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 devastating nature of the news was plain to see when a tearful TNT Sports television commentator Jez Cox was compelled to break the news of Tarling's passing 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."
