British Cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, Dies After Crash in Portugal

British cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, died Friday after a collision with a vehicle during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.

Tarling was competing for the NSN Development Team on the 166.8-kilometer route from Melgaco to Fafe when the incident occurred. Race organizers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation announced his death in a joint statement. Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard stated the incident involved a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle.

Portuguese broadcaster RTP reported the car was traveling against the direction of the race. The crash happened on the N306 road near Arcozelo, in the Ponte de Lima region, according to Portuguese newspaper Record. The race organization described the incident as a serious accident. An investigation is underway, according to local authorities. The NSN Development Team stated they were heartbroken by the loss, calling Tarling a son, brother, and friend.

The team named his parents, Michael and Dawn, and his brother, Josh, in their statement. Josh Tarling is the 2023 European time trial champion. Racing was stopped for the day, and the scheduled podium ceremony was canceled as a sign of respect and mourning. The NSN team has withdrawn from the Volta a Portugal following Tarling's death. It remains unclear whether the entire race will be canceled.