Finlay Tarling died aged 19 after an accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal. He was competing for the NSN Development Team (previously the Israel-Premier Tech Academy) on the 166.8 km stage from Melgaco to Fafe in northern Portugal. He was involved in a collision with a non-race vehicle travelling in the opposite direction, reportedly after the car entered the course. The British cyclist is the younger brother of Josh who had raced for Great Britain on the road and track. In a statement provided to local media, Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard said there had been "a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle" and that an investigation was under way. 

In a statement, NSN said: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today. Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. 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.”

The race organisers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation expressed their most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling to his team-mates and to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones". It said that the racing was stopped and the scheduled podium ceremony would not take place as a sign of respect and mourning.

British Cycling's performance director Stephen Park also expressed his condolences "All of us at British Cycling are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal. Fin was a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man. Our deepest sympathies are with his parents and brother, Josh, at this tragic time.”

Finlay Tarling’s cycling career and achievements

Born on 2 October 2006 in Ceredigion, Finlay came from a cycling family. His father Michael had raced, and his parents founded the West Wales Cycle Racing Team. He was the younger brother of Josh Tarling, the established professional with Netcompany-Ineos, a time-trial specialist and multiple champion. Finlay raced both on the track and the road, showing particular strength as a time-trialist while also competing in road races and classics-style events. 

Some of his achievements 

- Silver in the junior team pursuit at the European Track Championships (2023)

- Second place at the Junior Chrono des Nations (2023)

- Silver in the British junior time trial and bronze in the junior road race (2024)

- Gold with Team Wales in the team pursuit at the British National Track Championships (2024)

- Bronze medals in the junior team pursuit, points race and Madison at the 2024 UCI Junior Track World Championships

He signed a two-year deal with the Israel-Premier Tech Academy ahead of the 2025 season. The team later became the Swiss-registered NSN Development Team. Academy staff highlighted his time-trial ability and potential for tougher classic-style racing. In 2025 he rode events including the Tour of Britain. In 2026 he took second on stage 6 of the Tour du Rwanda and fourth on another stage, finished third in the British under-23 time trial, and was racing the Volta a Portugal when the accident happened. At just 19 he was still early in his professional career, following a similar route to his brother with a great talent against the clock and growing experience on the road. The cycling community has expressed widespread sadness at the loss of a promising young rider.