British cyclist Finlay Tarling died Friday after being hit by a car during the eighth leg of the Volta a Portugal, according to the NSN Cycling Team.
Tarling, 19, was involved in a crash around 3:40 p.m. on the N306 road between Melgaco and Fafe in northern Portugal. Race officials described the incident as a "serious accident." Portuguese police stated that a light goods vehicle was traveling in the opposite direction to the race when the collision occurred.
Reports from Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã indicate the driver of the vehicle made a U-turn, reportedly believing the main group of cyclists had already passed. The driver has not been identified.
Despite immediate medical attention from first responders, Tarling suffered cardiorespiratory arrest and could not be revived. The Volta a Portugal organization and the Portuguese Cycling Federation extended condolences to Tarling's family, his team, and friends.
The remainder of the stage was neutralized, and the planned podium ceremony was canceled.
Tarling, the brother of 2025 points race world champion Josh Tarling, was considered a rising talent in the cycling world. He had secured multiple medals in junior European track championships and was under contract with the NSN Development Team.
"Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many," the NSN Development Team wrote on Instagram. "He will be deeply missed."
British Cycling's performance director, Stephen Park, described Tarling as "a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man."
Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro also offered his sympathies, stating that Tarling's death "plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning."