British cyclist Finlay Tarling has died after a crash during a stage of the Volta a Portugal. The 19-year-old was representing the NSN Development Team when he came off his bike on the 166.8-kilometre stage from Melgaco to Fafe.
Race halted after incident
The race was immediately halted after the incident, and the remainder of the Volta a Portugal was postponed. Tarling joined the NSN Development Team last year and had previously represented Great Britain in road and track cycling events. He was the younger brother of Josh Tarling, who rides for INEOS.
Images from the scene
Photos were shared online by Portuguese cycling commentator Paulo Martins, who posted an image of a van with a cracked windscreen and the mangled bicycle Tarling was riding. Martins also clarified earlier reports that the van had been driving on the wrong side of the road after several angles from television cameras showed this wasn't the case.
Martins wrote: “Initial reports indicated the vehicle was driving on the wrong side of the road, but images seen on various TV channels show that the car was going in the right direction. For this reason, I feel obligated to clarify what I had written incorrectly, as these were news reports that had been given by various TV channels in Portugal.
“Now it's a matter of understanding how that vehicle ended up in that location. Was it authorized to continue its journey by the police? Did it break through the security cordon?
“Nothing will bring this boy back to the world of the living, and may everyone in the future respect human life, because there is a brother, a son, a father, friends, girlfriend or wife who will suffer immensely, and I have no doubt that the driver himself, even if he may not be at fault, will also be scarred for the rest of his life.”
Tribute from his team
It's understood Tarling was given medical attention at the scene but died shortly after. Tarling's team NSN said in a statement: “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.”
