British cyclist Finlay Tarling died Friday following a collision with a light goods vehicle during a stage of the Volta a Portugal. He was 17 years old.
In a statement, Volta organizers described Friday as a "tragic day for cycling" and announced that the race would continue "in an atmosphere of profound mourning." As a sign of respect, main sponsors agreed to cancel all activities for the remaining two stages, with the race proceeding "for Finlay."
Tarling was competing for the NSN Development Team when the incident occurred on the 166.8km route from Melgaco to Fafe. The National Republican Guard confirmed the collision and stated that an investigation is underway to establish the facts. "This is not the time for speculation about the circumstances of the accident," the Volta statement read. "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."
Following Tarling's death, the NSN Development Team withdrew from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages. "With the full support of Fin's parents, the WorldTour team will race on at Czech Tour and the Arctic Race of Norway. We will continue to hold Fin in our hearts as we race in his honour, doing what he loved most," the team said in a statement. They also expressed gratitude for the "incredible support" from the cycling community.
Tarling, the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh Tarling, had represented Great Britain on both road and track. He was considered a promising time trial specialist, having finished third in the under-23 men's individual time trial at the British Championships in June and competed in the Tour of Britain less than a year ago. His father, Michael Tarling, has described receiving messages of support and photos of his son as both "heartbreaking and heartwarming."