From Pogačar to Iniesta and emotional Kwiatkowski to his Dutch junior team: cycling world mourns Tarling (19)

The cycling world was shaken to its core on Friday when it was announced that Finlay Tarling had died at the age of 19 in an accident during the Tour of Portugal. Tarling, the younger brother of Netcompany INEOS rider Joshua, died after being hit head-on by a white van driver. Many reactions poured in afterward.

It was NSN itself that announced Tarling’s death on social media. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Finlay Tarling during the Tour of Portugal. 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.”

Former soccer player Andres Iniesta, co-owner of the team, reacted with deep sadness. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Finlay Tarling, a young rider from the NSN Cycling Team’s development squad. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and the entire team. Rest in peace, Finlay,” said the Spaniard.

Belgian rider Jens Verbrugghe rode on the team alongside Tarling. “Fin… why… 🕊️ Rest in peace. Thanks for everything, my friend ❤️ We’ll miss you, and you’ll always be with me. My condolences to his family and friends,” he wrote on social media.

The news also came as a shock to Netcompany INEOS, the team of Finlay’s brother Joshua. “Everyone at Netcompany INEOS is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Josh, Michael, Dawn, and the entire Tarling family, as well as to Fin’s teammates, friends, and all who knew and loved him. We stand with Josh and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Michal Kwiatkowski, a rider on the team, also shared emotional posts on social media. “Life just isn’t fair… fucking cycling! I knew Fin personally. Such a great guy and such a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family and everyone who was close to him,” said the Polish cyclist. Filippo Ganna and Thymen Arensman, among others, also expressed their condolences.

Tadej Pogačar, like many other WorldTour riders, shared his thoughts on Instagram following Tarling’s death. “We have lost a young member of the cycling family. I would like to extend my condolences to his family, friends, and teammates,” wrote the Slovenian.

Tarling raced for the Dutch club team Willebrord Wil Vooruit as a junior in 2023 and 2024, and the team was equally blown away by his performance there. “A driver is never just a driver. A driver is a person—someone we’ve been proud to work with for two years, someone who has become one of our friends, and a highly respected teammate.”

Finlay passed away today while doing what he loved most, in a way that should never have happened. Certainly not at his age, with his whole life still ahead of him. As a team—as his team—we are deeply saddened and completely speechless. Our thoughts are with him, as well as with Michael, Dawn, and Joshua, his friends, his teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

"Finlay, it was an honor to have you on our team, but even more so to know you as the person you were. You will never be forgotten and will always be a part of our team," said Willebrord Wil.