The whole of Wales has been left devastated by the death of cyclist Finlay Tarling, with tributes pouring in from across the nation after the teenager tragically lost his life during a race in Portugal.
The 19-year-old – the younger brother of Great Britain world champion rider Josh Tarling – was competing for the NSN Development Team in the Volta a Portugal when he was killed in a collision with a van during the eighth stage of the race on Friday.
Police investigation under way
Portuguese police are now investigating the tragic incident, with authorities seeking to establish exactly what happened in the moments before the fatal collision.
After Friday's stage was suspended with around 20km remaining in wake of the tragedy, the race continued with the penultimate stage on Saturday. However, Tarling's team NSN Development have now withdrawn from the final stages of the event.
Tributes from across Wales
Back in Wales, tributes have poured in for the up-and-coming cyclist, who was from Ffos-y-ffin near Aberaeron, with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth "heartbroken" by the tragedy.
“Heartbreaking news that Wales and the world of cycling have lost one of their stars," he said in a statement. “That Finlay died so young doing what he loved makes this loss all the more tragic. My heartfelt condolences go to his parents, his brother Josh, and everyone who knew and loved him.”
Tarling's former school, Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron, also paid tribute to the "kind, warm and unassuming young man" and shared their pride at all he had achieved in his cycling career before it was tragically cut short.
"Following the extremely sad news that came to everyone’s attention yesterday, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and peers of Finlay Tarling," the school's statement read. "Finlay is a former pupil of the school and we are immensely proud of him. Through his hard work, talent and achievements, Finlay had become known in Wales and across the cycling world. We take great pride in his achievements, but here at the school we will remember him above all as a kind, warm and unassuming young man."
Cycling community in mourning
The teenager's former cycling clubs have remembered him as a "remarkable young talent", with the cycling community left devastated by the sudden and tragic loss.
"We are devastated to hear of the passing of Finlay Tarling while competing in Portugal today," read a statement from Towy Riders in Carmarthen. "A remarkable young talent and proud former Towy Rider, Finlay touched so many with his passion and spirit. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates as the cycling community mourns this profound loss."
West Wales Cycle Racing Team added: "We’re all absolutely devastated to hear the tragic passing of one of our own, Fin was part of the team from day one and we are so proud to be part of his journey to achieve his dreams. Our thoughts are with Mike, Dawn, Josh and Grace and their wonderful grandparents. Cysga’n dawel Fin bach."
Accident details emerge
The tributes come after Portuguese police investigating the fatal collision released a statement, 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.”
According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, the crash happened at around 3.40pm on Friday, on the N306 road between Paredes de Coura and Ponte de Lima in Arcozelo. The report said the driver of the van is believed to have 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 the Welsh cyclist collided with the vehicle head-on.
