FFOS y Ffin cyclist Josh Tarling has withdrawn from the Vuelta a España to return home and be with his family following the recent deaths of his brother and grandfather.

A statement from Netcompany INEOS said: “After the unimaginable loss of his brother Fin, Josh showed incredible courage in starting La Vuelta.

“We are immensely proud of him, and he now returns home to be with his family with the full love and support of everyone at Netcompany INEOS.

“Family comes first. Always.”

The 22-year-old Welsh rider brought an end to his race during stage six after a challenging fortnight marked by personal tragedy.

Tarling had produced an emotional ride in the opening individual time trial in Monaco, finishing third little more than a week after the death of his younger brother, Finlay.

The promising 19-year-old rider, who was competing for the NSN Academy Team at the Volta a Portugal, died after a collision with a vehicle during stage eight of the race. The incident sent shockwaves through the cycling community.

The family's grief was compounded days later by the death of Josh and Finlay's grandfather, Gerald Tarling.

Despite the devastating circumstances, former Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron pupil Tarling chose to start the Vuelta and came agonisingly close to an emotional victory on the opening time trial stage. He briefly held the fastest time before being overtaken by Ethan Hayter and eventual winner Tadej Pogačar, finishing third and earning the white jersey as the race's leading young rider.

Tarling spent the following stages supporting his teammates before losing more than 10 minutes on stage five. He then stepped off the race during stage six, ending his participation before the individual time trial later in the race, where he had been expected to challenge for victory.