British cyclist Finlay Tarling has died aged 19 after an accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.
Tarling, the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh, had raced for Great Britain on the road and track.
In a statement provided to local media, Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard said there had been “a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle” and that an investigation was under way.
The Welshman was competing for the NSN Development Team when the incident occurred on the 166.8km route from Melgaco to Fafe.
In a statement, NSN 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.”
In a post on X, the race organisers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation expressed their “most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his team-mates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones”.
It added that the racing was stopped and the scheduled podium ceremony would not take place as a sign of “respect and mourning”.
Portuguese president Antonio Jose Seguro added that Tarling’s death had “plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning”.
British Cycling’s performance director Stephen Park, added: “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.”
World governing body the UCI added on X: “The UCI is 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.
“The UCI extends its deepest condolences to Finlay’s family, friends, and team-mates.”
Meanwhile, Welsh Cycling added: “We at Beicio Cymru are absolutely devastated to hear the news of Fin Tarling’s passing today while competing at the Volta in Portugal.
“Fin was an incredible athlete, role model, friend, brother and son. We send our love and deepest condolences to Mike, Dawn and Josh at this incredibly difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Fin. You were incredible, and we will always remember you.”
The Volta a Portugal got under way in Lisbon on 5 August and is raced over 10 stages, concluding in Porto on 16 August.
Tarling looked to be following in the footsteps of his older brother Josh as a time trial specialist.
He finished in third in the under-23 men’s individual time trial at the British Championships in June and competed in the Tour of Britain just under 12 months ago.
