British cyclist Finlay Tarling died after being hit by a car during the eighth leg of the Volta a Portugal, according to the NSN Cycling Team.
He was 19.
The crash, described by race officials only as a “serious accident,” occurred around 3:40 p.m. on the N306 road between Melgaco and Fafe in the north part of the country, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã.
during stage 5 of the Tour of Great Britain on September 6, 2025, in Wales,
United Kingdom. Getty Images
The driver, reportedly believing the main pack had already passed, made a U-turn to get set on a collision course with Tarling.
The driver has not been identified.
“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 two organizations said in a statement.
According to Portuguese police, “a light goods vehicle was traveling on the road in the opposite direction to the race, and the cyclist collided with it, resulting in the tragic incident.”
Despite rapid response from first responders, Tarling suffered cardiorespiratory arrest and couldn’t be revived.
The rest of the stage was neutralized, and the podium ceremony had been canceled, the statement said.
The brother of 2025 points race world champion Josh Tarling, Finlay was a rising star of his own right in the cycling world.
He was a multi-time medalist in junior European track championships and was under contract with the NSN Development Team at the time of the crash.
“Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many,” his team wrote on Instagram. “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. Rest in peace, Fin.”
Other condolences came in Friday from around the country and the cycling world.
“Fin was a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man,” Stephen Park, British Cycling’s performance director, said.
“Our deepest sympathies are with his parents and brother, Josh at this tragic time.”
Portuguese president Antonio Jose Seguro also shared his condolences, saying Tarling’s death “plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning.”
