British cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, died on Friday following a serious accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.
The incident occurred during the 166.8km route to Fafe in northern Portugal, according to reports.
Tarling's team, NSN, released a statement expressing their grief. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today," the team 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. He will be deeply missed."
The Portuguese Cycling Federation also offered its condolences on X, formerly Twitter. The organization stated that the usual podium ceremony would not proceed out of respect and mourning.
Portuguese newspaper RTP reported that the accident may have been caused by a vehicle not participating in the race. The report indicated that a car, allegedly on the wrong side of the road, collided with Tarling, who was riding behind the peloton. The rider received immediate medical attention but died shortly after the crash.
Portugal's president, Antonio José Seguro, commented that Tarling's death "saddens the peloton, the race, and the country that welcomed him," offering his deepest condolences to the rider's family, teammates, and the wider cycling community.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) also issued a statement expressing deep sadness and extending condolences to Tarling's family, friends, and teammates.
Finlay Tarling's older brother, Josh Tarling, is also a professional cyclist, a world champion on the track, and a stage winner at last year's Giro d'Italia.