NSN Development withdraws from Volta a Portugal after death of Finlay Tarling

NSN Development has withdrawn from the remaining stages of the Volta a Portugal after 19-year-old Finlay Tarling died following an accident during the eighth stage on Friday, organisers said. An investigation into the incident is under way.

Race organisers described the day as a "tragic day for cycling" and said the event would be held in an "atmosphere of profound mourning"; they added that the main sponsors had agreed to cancel all activities for the remaining two stages. The Volta also stated: "The race continues. There will be a sporting competition, but not a party... This Saturday, the Volta rides for Finlay." Tarling was competing for the NSN Development Team.

Local authorities said the accident occurred on the 166.8km route from Melgaco to Fafe. Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard told local media there had been "a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle" and that an investigation was under way.

NSN issued a statement on Saturday morning confirming the team's withdrawal: "Following Fin Tarling's tragic passing on Friday, the NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages." The statement continued: "With the full support of Fin's parents, the WorldTour team will race on at Czech Tour and the Arctic Race of Norway. We will continue to hold Fin in our hearts as we race in his honor, doing what he loved most. "We want to thank everyone in the cycling community and beyond for the incredible support at this difficult time."

Tarling, described in reports as a Welshman, had raced for Great Britain on the road and track and was seen as a developing time trialist. He finished third in the under-23 men's individual time trial at the British Championships in June and had competed in the Tour of Britain just under 12 months ago; he was the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh Tarling.

The Volta said: "This is not the time for speculation about the circumstances of the accident. The incident is being investigated by the GNR Command, which is responsible for rigorously establishing the facts." It added: "We all remain deeply shaken. "Cycling is a sport that involves risks, but we are never prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude. Finlay lost his life. A family lost a son. A team lost a team-mate. Cycling lost one of its own. It is a tragedy that transcends the competition itself."

Organisers confirmed the race will continue with the penultimate stage on Saturday and that tributes to Tarling will be held before the start.