Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, dies in Volta a Portugal crash
Finlay Tarling was a young cyclist from Wales who was 19 years old.
He rode bikes for a team called the NSN Development Team.
On Friday, August 14, he was taking part in a big cycling race in Portugal called the Volta a Portugal.
Sadly, during the eighth stage of the race he was in a serious accident and he died.
The accident happened on the route from the town of Melgaco to the town of Fafe.
Reports say he was hit by a vehicle that was not part of the race and was travelling in the opposite direction.
The race was paused with 23 kilometres still to go, and the celebration at the end of the stage was cancelled to show respect.
His teammates, family, and people across the cycling world shared tributes.
His older brother Josh also rides professionally for a famous team.
Finlay was a very good time-trial rider, and many people thought he had a bright future.
Finlay Tarling, a 19-year-old Welsh cyclist racing for the NSN Development Team, died in an accident during stage eight of the Volta a Portugal on Friday, August 14.
Portuguese and French media reports say he was struck by a non-race vehicle travelling in the opposite direction to the peloton; the crash remains under investigation.
Organisers neutralised the stage with 23 kilometres remaining and cancelled the podium ceremony in Fafe as a mark of respect.
Tarling was the younger brother of Netcompany Ineos professional Josh Tarling; his teammates rode to the finish line together in solidarity.
Tributes came from the NSN Development Team, the UCI, and Portugal's prime minister Luis Montenegro; Tarling had placed third in the under-23 time trial at the British National Championships.
- Who
- Finlay Tarling, a 19-year-old Welsh cyclist racing for the NSN Development Team and the younger brother of Netcompany Ineos professional Josh Tarling.
- What
- He died after being struck by a non-race vehicle travelling in the opposite direction to the peloton during stage eight of the Volta a Portugal; the crash remains under investigation.
- When
- Friday, August 14.
- Where
- During stage eight of the Volta a Portugal, on the 166.8-kilometre route from Melgaco to Fafe, Portugal.
- Why
- The exact cause is under investigation; Portuguese and French media reports indicate he was struck by a vehicle not involved in the race.
- Cyclist
- Finlay Tarling
- Age
- 19
- Nationality
- British (Welsh)
- Team
- NSN Development Team
- Race and stage
- Volta a Portugal, stage 8 (Melgaco to Fafe, 166.8 km)
- Date of accident
- Friday, August 14
- Reported cause
- Struck by a non-race vehicle travelling in the opposite direction; under investigation
- Recent achievements
- Third in the under-23 time trial at the British National Championships; 11th in the opening prologue in Lisbon
