19-Year-Old British Cyclist, Finlay Tarling, Dies Following Accident at ‘Volta a Portugal’ Race

The Welsh born rider was struck by a vehicle on Friday, during the eighth stage of the competition.

Finlay Tarling arrives at the velodrome as Colin Jackson and Dani Rowe visit The National Lottery funded Newport Velodrome as part of the Commonwealth Games in Newport, Wales, on Aug. 4, 2022. Huw Fairclough/Getty Images for The National Lottery

British Cycling is mourning the loss of 19-year-old Finlay Tarling, who died on Friday following a serious accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.

During the 166.8-kilometre stage of the competition from Melgaço to Fafe, Tarling was struck by a vehicle that had entered the race route while traveling in the opposite direction.

“The organizers of the 87th Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta Jogos Santa Casa deeply regret to inform of the death of British cyclist Finlay Tarling, of the NSN Development Team, following a serious accident,” organizers announced via social media.

“At this moment of profound dismay, the organization of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation express their most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his teammates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones,” the statement continued.

Tarling immediately received medical attention at the scene following the collision, but later succumbed to his injuries. According to Spanish newspaper El País, the cyclist suffered cardiorespiratory arrest as a result of the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the collision are under investigation, with organizers neutralizing the race as a sign of respect for the Welsh-born rider and canceling the scheduled podium ceremony.

Tarling was competing in the 87th annual Volta a Portugal for his second season with NSN Development team.

Officially known as the Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta, the competition is considered Portugal’s most prestigious road cycling race.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today,” the team wrote in a statement on X.

“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,” the post concluded.

Tarling comes from a family of cyclists, as his older brother, Josh, is also an established professional rider with Netcompany-INEOS.

Following news of his death, tributes quickly began pouring in from across the cycling community, including condolences from Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), TNT Sports Cycling, and many others.

Earlier this year, Tarling finished second on stage six of the Tour du Rwanda and third in the British under-23 national time-trial championships.

Since 2023, he has competed in a number of international under-23 races across Europe, with three different teams during his career.