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British cyclist Finlay Tarling dies aged 19 after shocking accident at Volta a Portugal

Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of 19-year-old cyclist Finlay Tarling who had raced for Great Britain on both track and road

[Tributes have poured in after the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling. ]

Tributes have poured in after the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling. (Image: (Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images))

British cyclist Finlay Tarling has died aged 19 following a serious accident at the Volta a Portugal earlier today during the eighth stage of the race.

Welshman, Tarling was competing for the NSN Development Team, when the incident happened on the 166.8km route from Melgaco to Fafe. In an emotional 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."

[Finlay Tarling has sadly passed away following a serious accident in Portugal.]

Finlay Tarling has sadly passed away following a serious accident in Portugal.(Image: (Photo by Huw Fairclough/Getty Images))

Race organisers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation took to social media to express their "most heartfelt condolences".

A statement read: "The organisation of the 87th Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta Jogos Santa Casa deeply regrets to announce the death of British rider Finlay Tarling, of NSN Development Team, following a serious accident during Stage 8 of the race, between Melgaco and Fafe.

"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 team-mates, NSN Development Team and all of his friends and loved ones."

They said that the race had been "neutralised" and there'd be no podium ceremony as a sign of "respect and mourning."

"In light of this tragic event, the race will be neutralised through to the finish in Fafe and, as a mark of respect and mourning, today's planned podium ceremony will not take place," the statement said.

"The organisation will provide further information as soon as circumstances allow."

Antonio Jose Seguro, president of Portugal, said that Tarling's death had "plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning".

Tarling had raced for Great Britain on both track and road, and is the younger brother of Netcompany Ineos rider Josh Tarling.

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