A union representing professional cyclists has demanded improvements to helmet safety standards after 19-year-old British rider Finlay Tarling died in a crash during the Tour of Portugal.
Tarling, who raced for Great Britain on both road and track, was participating in the eighth stage of the race when the incident occurred. Portuguese authorities, including the National Republican Guard, are investigating the collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle.
The Cyclistes Professionnels Associes (CPA) voiced its anger and sorrow on social media, stating, "We are speechless and filled with anger after the news of Finlay Tarling's death at the Tour of Portugal." The union added, "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."
CPA president Adam Hansen told the BBC that current helmet testing standards may not be sufficient for modern road racing, given the increasing average speeds. "They need a major upgrade," Hansen said, noting that the EU standard CE EN 1078 is rated for speeds of only 19.5 km/h, which he believes is inadequate for professional racing.
Hansen also highlighted the logistical challenges race organizers face in ensuring safety along extensive race routes. "The organisation is [generally] very good, but what happened [on Friday] is a bit of a hole in the system," he explained, referring to situations where riders may be separated from the main peloton, potentially leading to confusion for the public and other road users.
Lieutenant Carlos Canatario of Portugal's National Republican Guard stated that Tarling had been distanced from the main peloton when the collision happened. He indicated that the cyclist was alongside his team's support vehicle when he began a descent, increasing his speed. Canatario clarified that the light goods vehicle was traveling in the correct lane and in the opposite direction to the race. The collision reportedly occurred when the cyclist cut across a curve into the leftmost lane.
Tarling received immediate medical attention at the scene but died shortly after the crash. The race was neutralized approximately 20 kilometers from the finish line. Tarling's team, NSN Cycling, withdrew from the remainder of the Tour of Portugal following the tragedy.
Tarling was the younger brother of Josh Tarling, who recently competed in the men's time trial at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing fourth. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) also expressed its condolences, calling the death a "tragic accident."