Tragic Finlay Tarling update as ‘bystanders mistakenly waved van through’ before fatal crash, investigation reveals

NEW details have emerged around the tragic death of 19-year-old cyclist Finlay Tarling. It appears as though the heartbreaking accident could have been avoided, after bystanders mistakenly waved the vehicle involved onto the course. Finlay Tarling was just 19 years old when tragedy struck Credit: Getty Tarling’s bike in the aftermath of the crash shows just how much damage was done Credit: Instagram @paulo_martins1971 The Welsh rider died on Friday after hitting the windscreen of a van during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal which takes place across the country’s mainland. Carlos Canatario, a lieutenant in Portugal’s National Republican Guard, told cycling outlet Wieler Revue: “We know that he stopped at the access road, saw the peloton pass, waited briefly, and asked bystanders if the race was over yet. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! “They reportedly told him that the last riders had passed and that he could drive on.” There has been criticism aimed at local police and the event that there was not an official of sorts at such a key and clearly dangerous stage of the race. When Canatario was quizzed over the lack of officers at the event, he responded: “It is impossible to station an officer at every access point to the course. “We prioritise locations where the risk of traffic is higher. This was a secondary access point without officers, but with clear signage.” Some had thought that the driver was going the wrong way and that’s why he collided with Tarling, but Cantario explained that the direction of the riders went against conventional traffic. The van mowed down Tarling on his bike and the Welshman died shortly after Credit: Instagram @paulo_martins1971 Finlay Tarling’s parents Michael Tarling and Dawn Tarling have been left devastated Credit: Instagram @michaeltarling Cantario also told RTP via A Bola: “The vehicle was not going the wrong way. It was in the right lane, in its proper lane. It was going in the opposite direction to the direction of the race. Most read in Sport “The cyclist cut across the curve – as is natural, as cyclists do – in the leftmost lane.” Tarling was given immediate medical attention, but died shortly after the crash. The race was brought to a halt about 20km (12 miles) from the finish line. Tarling’s team subsequently pulled out. The driver is not expected to face criminal charges, although an investigation is ongoing. Tarling had been involved with cycling for a number of years despite his young age Credit: Getty A fundraiser has been started in his honour to help more children cycle in Wales Credit: EPA A fundraiser has also been launched in his memory – authorised by his parents – hoping to raise £40,000. More than £33,000 has already been donated. It reads: “This fund can hopefully serve as part of a legacy project providing an opportunity to help future generations of young Welsh riders discover the freedom and confidence that a bike can give a child. “One hundred per cent of funds will be donated and allocated in due course, with full transparency.’ Tarling’s family also hope that the teenager’s tragic demise will inspire cycling officials to ensure better helmets are being produced and worn for riders. Comment now