An absurd and, sadly, tragic accident at the Tour of Portugal: Finlay Tarling dies

The cycling world is in shock over the death of Finlay Tarling, a young British rider who was just 19 years old. Joshua Tarling’s younger brother lost his life on Friday following a serious accident during the eighth stage of the Tour of Portugal, from Melgaço to Fafe.

The race organizers confirmed the tragic news in a statement posted on social media. “The organizers of the 87th Tour of Portugal announce with deep sadness the death of British rider Finlay Tarling, of NSN Development, following a serious accident during the eighth stage, between Melgaço and Fafe,” the statement reads.

The race was neutralized, and the organizers decided to cancel the podium ceremony as a sign of respect and mourning.

According to reports in the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Tarling was struck by a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction that was not part of the Tour of Portugal’s race convoy. The race had been suspended at 4:50 p.m., when the peloton was about 20 kilometers from the finish line.

Born in Wales in 2006, Finlay Tarling rode for NSN Development and was considered a promising young rider, especially in time trials.

He was the younger brother of Joshua Tarling, 22, the 2023 European time trial champion and a rider for Netcompany-Ineos. Finlay, too, had already achieved impressive results despite his very young age. These included several top finishes at the Tour du Rwanda and a third-place finish in the Under-23 time trial at the British National Championships.

The news of his death has shocked the Tour of Portugal and the entire cycling community. “At this time of deep sorrow, the organizers of the Tour of Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation extend their most sincere condolences to Finlay Tarling’s family, his teammates, NSN Development, and all his friends and loved ones,” the organizers stated.

Further information regarding the circumstances of the accident will be released when conditions permit.