The parents of cyclist Finlay Tarling, who died at age 19 after a collision with a vehicle during the Volta a Portugal race, have shared a heartfelt tribute. Michael and Dawn Tarling posted on Instagram Sunday, describing the past few days as the hardest of their lives.
"One of the things that has helped carry us through is the wave of posts, messages, emails, articles and calls from across our family, friends, team, local and sporting communities," the couple wrote. "Hearing how lovingly and fondly Fin was thought of has been a huge help to us."
They expressed deep gratitude for the support they have received, stating, "We simply can’t thank you all enough for the support we’ve had. I don’t know how we’ll carry on from here, but we’ll figure out with the support of all our family, friends and community."
Describing Finlay as more than a son and brother, they called him "our best mate. Gentle, loving with the driest sense of humour, we will miss him terribly."
Despite his short life, his parents stated, "his short life was packed full of wonderful experiences and achievements and we couldn’t be prouder of him." They asked fellow cyclists to "give him a thought as you clip in" if riding in the coming days.
Tarling was competing for the NSN Development Team when a light goods vehicle collided with him during the eighth stage of the race, which ran between the municipalities of Melgaco and Fafe in northern Portugal. Police have confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway.
Following the crash, the race was neutralized, and the planned podium ceremony was canceled. Race organizers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation issued a statement offering their condolences to Tarling's family, teammates, and loved ones.
The cyclists' union expressed shock and anger over the circumstances of Tarling's death, stating, "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."