Josh Tarling admitted his remarkable opening stage performance at La Vuelta a España held little significance for him just days after the death of his brother and fellow professional cyclist Fin Tarling. The 22-year-old Netcompany Ineos rider finished third on stage one, four seconds behind stage winner Tadej Pogacar, but said the result meant little following the tragedy.
Fin Tarling's fatal crash
Fin, 19, was killed in a high-speed collision with a van during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal last Friday. The vehicle had entered the course ahead of the incident, believing the cyclists had already passed.
Josh chose to compete in the Vuelta despite the heartbreaking news to keep his mind occupied while grieving. He took his place on the start line for the three-week Grand Tour and delivered a stunning performance on the opening day, battling into the lead before being overtaken by Ethan Hayter and then Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar.
'Not a lot' – Tarling's emotional admission
Speaking to Eurosport, Josh said of the ride: "Not a lot. No, I'm happy with it. And I'm happy I could try and get my head busy with other stuff. So yeah, obviously I'm happy and I'm thankful for the team and everything, to let me come and let me give it a good crack."
Pogacar embraced Josh on the podium at the end of the stage.
Team support and family backing
Netcompany Ineos racing director Geraint Thomas said he could not be prouder of Josh. Thomas described Tarling's grief as 'unimaginable' and said the team would do their utmost to provide a sense of normality over the coming three weeks.
"For a start, it's just great to have him here," Thomas told TNT Sport. "You know, he was really keen to ride, he just wanted to get back to the day job, so to speak, and find comfort in the process and being around the team and everything being as normal as possible. So we fully backed him with that and it's great to have him here.
"Obviously, it's been unimaginable what he's gone through the last week or so. But to put in a performance like that at the end of the week he's had is just fantastic, really, it just shows the class of him as an athlete and as a person. Couldn't be prouder.
"I think the course suited him. Technically, he's one of the best and I think yesterday was probably the first time he's ridden a bike properly in a while, so to still put that in? It's insane, really. We'll just continue to be normal around him and support him as best we can. It's the start of hopefully a great trip for these eight boys on the bus."
Josh's participation had the full backing of his family. His mother Dawn posted on Instagram: "On Saturday Joshua will be riding the Vuelta. 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."
