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

NSN Development withdrew from the Volta a Portugal on Saturday, a day after 19-year-old British rider Finlay Tarling died following a collision during the race on Friday. The team announced its withdrawal from the remaining stages in a statement released after the incident.

Tarling, aged 19, was the younger brother of Ineos rider Josh Tarling and was reportedly involved in a head-on collision with a vehicle unconnected with the event that was travelling in the opposite direction. Friday’s eighth stage was suspended with about 20km remaining and the podium ceremony was cancelled.

“Following Fin Tarling’s tragic passing, the NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages,” NSN said.

A spokesperson for Portugal’s national republican guard said there had been a collision between a cyclist and a light vehicle towards the back of the peloton. “We do not yet know exactly the circumstances in which it unfolded. We will investigate.”

Race organisers said on social media that the race would resume on Saturday “in an atmosphere of profound mourning. Before the start, a moment of tribute to Finlay Tarling will be held, involving the entire peloton and the Tour’s family.”

“With the full support of Fin’s parents, the World Tour 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 honour, doing what he loved most,” NSN added.