The Volta a Portugal organisation and Portuguese Cycling Federation said in a statement: “The organisation of the 87th Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta Jogos Santa Casa deeply regrets to announce the death of British rider Finlay Tarling, of NSN Development Team, following a serious accident during Stage 8 of the race, between Melgaco and Fafe.
“At this moment of profound shock and sadness, the Volta a Portugal organisation and the Portuguese Cycling Federation extend their deepest condolences to Finlay Tarling’s family, his team-mates, NSN Development Team and all of his friends and loved ones.”
The statement added: “In light of this tragic event, the race will be neutralised through to the finish in Fafe and, as a mark of respect and mourning, today’s planned podium ceremony will not take place. The organisation will provide further information as soon as circumstances allow.”
A statement from the Welshman’s NSN Development Team said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today.
“Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Fin’s parents Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone who was lucky enough to call Fin a friend.”
Luís Montenegro, the prime minister of Portugal, said: “I have just been informed of the accident that claimed the life of cyclist Finlay Tarling, of the NSN Development Team, in the Volta a Portugal. This is news that leaves us extremely shaken. I send my heartfelt condolences, on behalf of the Portuguese government, to his family and team, as well as to the entire peloton.”
The Presidency of the Republic also issued a statement and said: “At the age of 19, Finlay Tarling died on the road while devoted to the sport he loved and brought honour to, and his death has plunged the peloton, the race and the country that welcomed him into mourning.
“President António José Seguro also expresses his solidarity with the Volta a Portugal organisation and the Portuguese Cycling Federation, who are facing one of the most painful moments in the history of the race, and praises the dignity of the decisions taken in memory of and out of respect for the athlete.”
Michal Kwiatkowski, a Polish rider for Netcompany-Ineos was among those who posted a tribute to Tarling on X: “Life just isn’t fair… F—— cycling! I knew Fin personally. Such a great guy and such a sad loss. Thinking of his family and everyone close to him.”
A television commentator was on the verge of tears as he made the announcement live on air.
Jez Cox, the voice of the finish line for the UCI World Road Cycling Championships and Tour of Britain, told viewers: “What I have to tell you is not just bad news, it is absolutely horrific news.”
Reading out the official statement, he added: “Nothing in my life has prepared me for what to say next. All I can say is that we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. It is not the type of announcement I have ever wanted to make about a rider and I am so very, very sorry.”
Six professional cyclists have died whilst competing in the past three years. Gino Mader, 26, died at the Tour de Suisse in June 2023 and fellow Swiss rider Muriel Furrer died aged 18 in September 2024 at the UCI Road World Championships. The pair’s deaths prompted calls for organisers to do more for race safety.
Cycling’s governing body, the UCI, said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic death of British rider Finlay Tarling, who passed away following a serious accident during today’s eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.”
Stephen Park, the performance director for the Great Britain cycling team, said: “All of us at British Cycling are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal. Fin was a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man.
“Our deepest sympathies are with his parents and brother, Josh at this tragic time.”
