The cycling community has expressed outrage following the death of Welsh rider Finlay Tarling during the Volta a Portugal. A former professional described the race’s safety protocols as “catastrophic” after the 19-year-old collided with a non-race vehicle on Friday.
Tarling, the younger brother of Netcompany Ineos professional Josh Tarling, was involved in a collision with a vehicle traveling towards the peloton during the eighth stage of the Portuguese race. His death has sparked significant anger, with the riders’ union, the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés (CPA), stating they are “furious.”
The CPA posted that they were “speechless and filled with anger” over Tarling’s death, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for a young athlete’s life to end in such a manner, especially when serious accidents could potentially be prevented. The race organizers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation confirmed his death, noting it occurred during the eighth stage between Melgaço and Fafe.
Concerns over race security
Former French professional Jérôme Pineau, who competed in multiple Grand Tours, was among those who criticized the security measures at the race, labeling them “catastrophic.” Pineau suggested that the absence of other incidents in the race was “a constant miracle” and that the finishes were not suitable for a race of this caliber.
Pineau attributed these issues to a lack of resources for organizing major cycling events, which are becoming increasingly expensive. He urged the sport’s governing body, the UCI, to implement stricter approval processes. He believes that if security cannot be guaranteed or if organizers are not capable, they should not be authorized to host events.
Unlike Grand Tours such as the Tour de France, the Volta a Portugal does not implement full road closures. Instead, it utilizes a rolling road closure system, which creates a security “bubble” around the race convoy.
The circumstances surrounding Tarling’s death are currently under police investigation. Portuguese police indicated that while more evidence would be collected, it is considered unlikely that the driver involved will face criminal charges. Carlos Catanario of the Portuguese police informed RTP that Tarling was attempting to catch up on a downhill section, with the peloton ahead of him and split into three groups. The “broom” wagon, marking the rear of the convoy and the end of the rolling road closure, was behind him.
Catanario explained that the GNR (National Republican Guard) police escort could not keep pace with Tarling. Further ahead, the driver involved had stopped at the roadside to allow the race to pass. After waiting, the driver reportedly asked bystanders if he could proceed onto the road and then drove onto the course before the broom wagon had passed. Catanario noted that no officers were present at that specific location, as it was not a prioritized area in their assessment.
The vehicle was traveling in the opposite direction of the race. Tarling, as is common for racing cyclists, cut across a curve in the left lane, leading to the collision between the cyclist and the vehicle.
Community response and tributes
Tarling’s team, NSN Development, withdrew from the race on Saturday. However, the race continued with its final stages over the weekend as planned. Riders observed a minute of silence at the start of the ninth stage, and the leader’s jersey worn by Alexis Guérin was changed from yellow to black. The peloton also wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
Tributes and black armbands were also seen at other races, including the Czech Tour and the Arctic Race of Norway. On Sunday, Tarling’s father, Michael, shared a message on social media, expressing the difficulty of the past few days and the comfort received from the outpouring of support.
He described his son as not only a son and brother but also a best friend, highlighting his gentle nature and dry sense of humor. Michael and Dawn Tarling, Finlay’s mother, stated they “couldn’t be prouder” of his short life, which was filled with experiences and achievements. They encouraged others to think of Finlay when they go out on their bikes.
NSN Cycling Team also released a statement, expressing heartbreak over Tarling’s passing and extending condolences to his family and friends. Tarling had represented Great Britain on both road and track and had joined the Israel-Premier Tech Academy before the 2025 campaign, continuing with the team’s development setup when it became NSN Cycling Team. This year, he secured second place in Stage 6 of the Tour du Rwanda and finished third in the men’s under-23 British National Time Trial Championships.
Source: theguardian.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.