Heartbreaking moment commentator cries as he confirms death of Brit cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, live on air

THIS is the heartbreaking moment a distraught commentator sobbed as he announced the death of 19-year-old Brit cyclist Finlay Tarling. The teen sportsman died today after a “serious accident” during the eighth leg of the Volta a Portugal, with local reports suggesting he was hit by a car. Finlay Tarling, 19, died in a horror cycling accident in Portugal Credit: NSN Cycling Team Presenter Jez Cox had the harrowing task of announcing the shock death live on air Credit: x.com/Cycling_Kingdom 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. Emotional footage shows the moment the young rider’s death was announced. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Before reading the statement, TNT commentator Jez Cox prepares viewers, saying: “It’s not just bad news, it is absolutely horrific news.” He then read the official statement from race organisers announcing Finlay’s death as his voice broke up. He can be heard holding back tears. Finlay Tarling of Israel tragically died taking part in The Volta a Portugal Credit: Getty TNT commentator said the news is ‘horrific’ Credit: x.com/Cycling_Kingdom The Volta a Portugal organisation and Portugese Cycling Federation confirmed the death in a “serious accident” statement but did not give further details. Cox continued: “Nothing in my life has prepared me for what to say next. All I can say is that we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. “It’s the type of announcement I never wanted to make on air about any rider at all and I am so very very sorry.” The car that hit Finlay was performing a u-turn after mistakenly believing the peloton had passed, Correio da Manha reported. Most read in Sport The commentator held back tears as he announce Finlay’s death Credit: Getty The young protégé was the younger brother of professional cyclist Josh Tarling Credit: NSN Paramedics rushed to the scene, but could not save the young rider, 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.” The race has been suspended as a mark of respect Credit: x.com/Cycling_Kingdom Tributes have flown out for the young cycling star Credit: Getty Finlay was the younger brother of professional cyclist Josh Tarling. 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”. 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”. Comment now