Team withdraws after tragic accident
The NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining stages of the Volta a Portugal following the death of British cyclist Finlay Tarling. The 19-year-old died after an accident during the eighth stage of the race on Friday. Organisers confirmed that the race would continue with its penultimate stage on Saturday, with tributes planned for Tarling before the start.
In a statement, the Volta a Portugal organisers described it as a “tragic day for cycling” and indicated that the race would proceed in an “atmosphere of profound mourning.” As a mark of respect, the event’s main sponsors agreed to cancel all associated activities for the final two stages. The organisers stated that “The race continues. There will be a sporting competition, but not a party… This Saturday, the Volta rides for Finlay.”
Tarling, a Welshman, was competing for the NSN Development Team when the incident occurred on the 166.8km route from Melgaço to Fafe. Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard confirmed to local media that there was “a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle,” and an investigation is currently underway.
Tributes and ongoing investigation
The NSN Development Team issued a statement on Saturday morning confirming their withdrawal, saying, “Following Fin Tarling’s tragic passing on Friday, the NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages.” The team also noted that with the full support of Tarling’s parents, the WorldTour team would continue to race at the Czech Tour and the Arctic Race of Norway, honouring Tarling’s memory. They expressed gratitude for the support from the cycling community during this difficult time.
Tarling was the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh Tarling and had represented Great Britain in both road and track cycling. He had shown promise as a time trial specialist, finishing third in the under-23 men’s individual time trial at the British Championships in June and competing in the Tour of Britain.
The Volta a Portugal organisers emphasised that this is not the time for speculation regarding the accident’s circumstances, as the incident is being investigated by the GNR Command to establish the facts. They added, “We all remain deeply shaken. Cycling is a sport that involves risks, but we are never prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude. Finlay lost his life. A family lost a son. A team lost a team-mate. Cycling lost one of its own. It is a tragedy that transcends the competition itself.”
The eighth stage, covering 166.8 kilometres from Melgaço to Fafe, was neutralised with 23 kilometres remaining after Tarling’s death, and the podium ceremony was cancelled. His teammates rode together to the finish line in a display of solidarity.
Widespread condolences
Reports in Portuguese and French media suggest that the Welsh rider was hit by a non-race vehicle travelling in the opposite direction to the peloton, though details are yet to be confirmed. The Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta, Jogos Santa Casa, expressed deep regret and extended condolences to Tarling’s family, teammates, and friends.
Tarling was considered a highly-rated young talent and a promising time-trialling prospect. His team posted, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today.” They highlighted his role as a beloved team member, son, brother, and friend, extending condolences to his parents, Michael and Dawn, and his brother Josh.
Tarling’s progression included both track and road racing. He joined the team prior to its rebranding as the NSN Development Team and had developed a reputation in European racing as a time trial specialist, finishing 11th in the opening prologue stage of the Portuguese race in Lisbon. The UCI, cycling’s governing body, expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of the British rider.
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also offered his condolences to Tarling’s family and team, stating on X that the news of his death “leaves us deeply shaken.” Stephen Park CBE, the performance director for the Great Britain cycling team, shared his heartbreak, describing Tarling as a talented rider with a promising future, a loyal teammate, and a brilliant young man. Park extended the team’s deepest sympathies to Tarling’s parents and brother, Josh, during this tragic time.
Source: bbc.co.uk
