On Friday, the cycling world was shocked to hear about the death of the young Briton, Finlay Tarling, who rode for the NSN development team. On Saturday, the team announced it would no longer continue at the Volta a Portugal.
NSN withdraws from Volta a Portugal
“Following Fin Tarling’s tragic passing on Friday, the NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages,” a statement read. “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 honour, 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, who was 19, raced for NSN Cycling since 2025, when it was known as Israel Premier Tech Academy. He was also teammates with Canadians Dylan Bibic and Ben Morin.
Race goes on, but subdued
As far as the Volta a Portugal, it will continue, but a little differently. After the death of Tarling, who came from a cycling family, with his brother Josh racing for WorldTour team. Netcompany INEOS, the organizers issued a statement.
“The 87th Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta Jogos Santa Casa resumes this Saturday, after a tragic day for cycling, marked by the death of Finlay Tarling, following the accident that occurred during the eighth stage, between Melgaço and Fafe. We are all still deeply shaken,” it read. “Cycling is a sport that carries risks, but we are never prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude. Finlay lost his life. A family lost a child. A team lost a teammate. Cycling has lost one of its own. It is a tragedy that surpasses the competition itself.
Although it was reported that a driver allegedly was driving the wrong way on the course, the organizers have not given specifics of the cause of his death, saying, “This is not the time for speculation about the circumstances of the accident. The occurrence is being investigated by the authorities, who are responsible for the rigorous investigation of the facts.”
Two stages remain
The organizers confirmed the Volta a Portugal will continue on Saturday for stage 9, albeit modified given the tragic circumstances, “Before the start, a moment of tribute to Finlay Tarling will be held, involving the entire peloton and the Volta family.
Furthermore, the race organizers and main sponsors have cancelled the planned activities for the final two days, including the advertising caravan and most Clube da Volta services, with the race continuing as a sporting competition but without the usual celebrations.