🎥 Footage shows the devastation at the scene of the fatal Finlay Tarling incident; Portuguese media report on the cause

A shockwave rippled through the cycling world on Friday when it was announced that young rider Finlay Tarling (19 years old) of the NSN U23 team had died following an accident in the Tour of Portugal. The Briton, the younger brother of Netcompany INEOS rider Joshua, collided with a car that was not part of the race convoy and died.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Finlay Tarling during the Tour of Portugal," NSN announced shortly after the first rumors began to surface. "Fin was a much-loved member of our team, but above all, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many people. He will be deeply missed."

"Our deepest condolences go out to Fin's parents, Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone who was fortunate enough to call Fin a friend. Rest in peace, Fin," said NSN. The Tour of Portugal, where the accident occurred, echoed this sentiment. “The organizers of the 87th Tour of Portugal deeply regret to announce that Finlay has passed away as a result of a serious accident that occurred during the 8th stage of the race.”

Exactly what happened is still under investigation. Tarling collided with a car that, according to various Portuguese media outlets, was not part of the race convoy. Footage from the scene of the accident shows that the vehicle in question is a white van. Accordingt A Bola, Portugal’s largest sports newspaper, the vehicle had ignored the signs and entered the course traveling in the opposite direction.

A Bola reports that Tarling fell behind the peloton a few kilometers before the accident and was riding back toward the main group. The accident occurred in Arcozelo, near Ponte de Lima, on a slightly downhill stretch just before a curve, when the cyclist encountered a vehicle coming from the opposite direction and was unable to avoid a head-on collision. He died at the scene.

Riders from the across the cycling world have paid tribute to Tarling. From Tadej Pogačar to Netcompany INEOS, team of his brother Josh, there has been an outpouring of grief. The Arctic Race of Norway paid tribute to Tarling before the start of stage 3, with Wout Poels speaking about the loss of his teammate Gino Mäder.

The Tour of Portugal continued 'as usual' with the 9th and final stage, which was won by Alexis Guerin. Guerin wore a black jersey in place of the customary yellow leader's jersey as he took the win and the overall on the final day.