Volta a Portugal organisers announced the death of British cyclist Finlay Tarling after a serious accident during stage 8 of the race between Melgaço and Fafe. Tarling was 19 years old and rode for the NSN Development Team.
The accident happened with 23km remaining in the stage, prompting organisers to neutralise the race. The stage remained neutralised until the finish in Fafe, and the podium ceremony scheduled for the day was cancelled as a mark of respect.
What the organisers said
In a statement, the organisers of the Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta, Jogos Santa Casa said they deeply regretted announcing Tarling’s death and extended their condolences to his family, teammates, the NSN Development Team, and his friends and loved ones.
The organisers also said the Portuguese Cycling Federation shared in those condolences and that further information would be provided as soon as circumstances allowed.
Tarling was identified as the younger brother of Josh Tarling. The race’s response reflected the seriousness of the incident, with the remainder of stage 8 run under neutralised conditions and the usual post-stage ceremony set aside.
