Josh Tarling is racing the Vuelta following the death of his younger brother Finlay; his family share a heartfelt message

Netcompany INEOS was the last team to announce its roster for the Vuelta a España on Thursday . Joshua Tarling will be riding for the British team, after tragically losing his brother Finlay last week. Finlay, who was riding for the NSN development team, died after a collision during the Tour of Portugal.

Head of Racing Geraint Thomas stated in the team’s press release that the team is fully behind Tarling. “It goes without saying that, as a team, we fully support Josh in his decision to participate in the race,” said the former cyclist, who is also from Wales.

Over the past week and a half, his father, Michael Tarling, has posted several well-written messages on social media on behalf of himself and his mother, Dawn, and he did so again now that it has been announced that Joshua will be riding the Vuelta a España. “Joshua will be riding the Vuelta on Saturday. He made this decision in honor of his brother Fin, with the full support of his family and surrounded by a team that has been incredibly supportive of him no matter what decision he made.”

"I couldn't have asked for two brothers who were so close during their childhood and into adulthood. We've watched with pride as Joshua has been the most loving and supportive big brother to Fin. After this devastating news, he has been an incredible source of support for all of us," said Michael.

"Finlay was so incredibly proud of his big brother and would sit with his nose pressed against the TV, cheering him on during the races. It’s only fitting, then, that Josh honors that love and pride by doing what Fin always loved to see,” writes his father, Tarling, on social media, the day before the Vuelta kicks off with a time trial—the discipline in which Joshua excels. How wonderful it would be if he could win on Saturday, for his little brother.