The Cyclistes Professionnels Associes (CPA), a cyclists' union, has voiced "fury" and "anger" over the death of British rider Fin Tarling during a stage of the Volta a Portugal. The 19-year-old reportedly collided with a vehicle not involved in the race.
CPA president Adam Hansen stated that enhanced helmet safety is necessary, especially as cyclists are reaching record speeds. "We are speechless and filled with anger," the union said in a social media statement. "It is not right that a young athlete's life should end this way, and we are furious that even today it is still not possible to prevent such serious accidents."
The union expressed condolences to Tarling's family, friends, team, and acquaintances, vowing to carry his memory. "Rest in peace, young rider; we pray for you, and we will carry you in our hearts."
Tarling was the younger brother of time trial specialist Josh Tarling, a rider for Netcompany Ineos who has achieved victories in stages of the Giro d'Italia and won a European Time Trial title. Fin Tarling himself had recently achieved a strong performance in a time trial earlier in the Volta a Portugal.
He represented a new generation of British cyclists who rose to prominence following the successes of established riders such as Mark Cavendish, Chris Froome, and Lizzie Deignan. Tarling was known for his dedication to the sport, spending hours daily on performance improvement and expressing a deep love for all aspects of cycling.
Organizers are reportedly considering a tribute to Tarling at the upcoming men's Tour of Britain, scheduled to begin on September 2.