Finlay Tarling dead aged 19: Brit cyclist dies after being ‘hit by car going wrong way’ during Portugal bike race

BRITISH cyclist Finlay Tarling has died at 19 in a serious accident during the Volta a Portugal’s eighth leg. Portuguese media reported the young cyclist was hit by car in horror road crash between Melgaco and Fafe, Portugal. Cyclist Finlay Tarling has died at 19 Credit: Getty Finlay cycled for the NSN development team Credit: NSN The car was reportedly driving the wrong way down the road as the peloton passed through Ponte de Lima in the north of the country. It reportedly crashed into the cyclist on on the N306 road linking Paredes de Coura with Ponte de Lima, leaving him with serious injuries. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The car was performing a u-turn after mistakenly believing the peloton had passed, Correio da Manha reported. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but could not save Finlay, who died from his injuries earlier today. The Volta a Portugal organisation and Portuguese Cycling Federation confirmed the death in a “serious accident” but did not give further details. The race has been suspended as a mark of respect, with a planned podium ceremony in Fafe cancelled. They said in a statement: “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 teammates, NSN Development Team and all of his friends and loved ones.” Finlay was the younger brother of professional cyclist Josh Tarling. Most read in Sport Finlay presenting his mother with a bunch of flowers for the support she has given him ahead of stage 5 of the Tour of Great Britain in Pontypool, Wales Credit: Getty Finlay died from his injuries earlier today Credit: Alamy Tributes flooded in to the young cyclist. His team NSN said they were “heartbroken”, adding that he would be “deeply missed”. They wrote in a statement on Instagram: “Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. “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.” Finlay, from Ceredigion, Wales bagged silver medals in the team pursuit at the Junior European Track Championships and the Junior Chrono des Nation in 2023. He signed a two-year contract to race for Israel’s Premier Tech Academy starting in 2025. The academy wrote on Instagram: “Our thoughts are with Finlay Tarling’s family, teammates and loved ones following the tragic passing of such a young and talented rider.” Academy Manager Tim Elverson said at the time: “Time trialling is his passion; it’s also an area in which the team is really keen to improve.” Just weeks ago he won a bronze medal in at Lloyds National Road Championships U23 Men’s Time Trial. Many fans left heartfelt comments on his last Instagram post celebrating the medal, with one writing: “You will be always a champion.” Another wrote on Facebook: “As a fellow cycling parent … the loss of Finlay has hit hard. “My condolences to his family whom I know were so very dedicated to both boy’s cycling careers. A life cut short far too soon.” Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the death was “a piece of news that leaves us deeply shaken”. He said: “I extend heartfelt condolences from the Government of Portugal to his family and his team, as well as to the entire peloton.” Comment now