THE family of Finlay Tarling have paid tribute to the talented young cyclist who died in a serious accident during the eighth stage of the Volta Portugal on Friday evening.

The former Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron pupil died after a collision with a non-race vehicle with investigations ongoing into what led to the cause of the accident and calls for better safety measures and improved helmets.

The Tarling family from Ffos y Ffin posted on Sunday: “This has been the hardest couple of days of our lives and it’s taken us a bit of time to be able to post this.

“One of the things that has helped carry us through is the wave of posts, messages, emails, articles and calls from across our family, friends, team, local and sporting communities. Hearing how lovingly and fondly Fin was thought of has been a huge help to us.

“We simply can’t thank you all enough for the support we’ve had.

“We don’t know how we carry on from here but we’ll figure it out with the support of all of our family, friends and community.

“Whilst our broken hearts will never be fixed, he was not only our son and brother but our best mate. Gentle, loving with the driest sense of humour we will miss him terribly.

“Whilst he was only 19 his short life was packed full of wonderful experiences and achievements and we couldn’t be prouder of him.

“If you’re heading out on your bike in the next few days give him a thought as you clip in.”

Finlay is the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh and had raced for Great Britain on the road and track.

He was competing for the NSN Development Team when the incident happened during the 166.8km stage from Melgaço to Fafe.

The incident led to the event being suspended as emergency services responded to the crash.

NSN Development late withdrew from the remaining stages of the event.

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."

In a post on X, the race organisers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation also expressed their "most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his team-mates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones".

It added that the racing was stopped and the scheduled podium ceremony would not take place as a sign of "respect and mourning".

Portuguese president Antonio Jose Seguro added that Tarling's death had "plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning.”

Cyclist union, Cyclistes Professionnels Associes (CPA), said "We are speechless and filled with anger," following Finlay's death, adding: "It is not right that a young athlete's life should end this way, and we are furious that even today it is still not possible to prevent such serious accidents.

“We share in the grief of his family, friends, team, and everyone who knew Finlay. Rest in peace, young rider; we pray for you, and we will carry you in our hearts."

A police investigation into the fatal collision continues.

An up-and-coming rider with a bright future ahead of him, Tarling won a gold medal with Team Wales in the team pursuit at the 2024 British Cycling National Track Championships.

His other achievements include a silver medal at the Junior Chrono des Nations time trial in France in 2023, finishing just one second behind the winner, a silver medal at the British National Junior Time Trial Championship in 2024, a bronze medal at the Junior Team Pursuit at the 2024 European Track Championships and three bronze medals at the 2024 UCI Junior Track World Championships in the points race, Madison relay and team pursuit.

A gofundme page has been set up to honour Fin with donations going towards supporting kids and youth cycling. A legacy for Fin to help other young cyclists share the joy and chase the same dreams he had on the bike.

At the time of writing, donations had already reached over £27,00 over a £40,000 target.

To contribute go to: https://gofund.me/3a5de46a7