Cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, dies in Volta a Portugal crash

British cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, died on Friday after a collision with a car during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal, between Melgaço and Fafe. The stage was suspended about 20 km from the finish and the podium ceremony was cancelled as a mark of respect Source: ABC, El Confidencial. His team, NSN Development, withdrew from the remainder of the race, while the rest of the peloton continued, with organizers saying the race would go on "without celebrations" Source: Milenio, Infobae.

The accident

Most outlets report that Tarling was hit head-on by a vehicle not part of the race that was traveling in the opposite direction Source: RTP via Infobae, El Español. However, a spokesman for Portugal's National Republican Guard told RTP that the car was "not on the wrong side of the road," but that Tarling "cut his curve as cyclists naturally do," taking the leftmost path, which "caused the collision" Source: Milenio. The exact circumstances remain under investigation Source: ABC.

Reactions

Tarling, the younger brother of Ineos rider Josh Tarling, was considered a promising time-trial specialist. He had finished second in the 2024 British junior time trial championship and had placed second and fourth in stages of the Tour of Rwanda this season Source: El Mundo, El Español. Portugal's president, António José Seguro, expressed his "profound regret" over the death Source: El Nacional, El Español. The NSN team, owned by Andrés Iniesta, said: "Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many" Source: NSN via Clarín. The team will continue racing in the Czech Tour and the Arctic Race of Norway, with the full support of Tarling's parents Source: Milenio, Infobae.