Tarling's team withdraws from Volta a Portugal after Briton's death

The NSN Development cycling team has withdrawn from the remaining stages of the Volta a Portugal following the tragic death of British cyclist Finlay Tarling. The 19-year-old rider passed away after an accident during the eighth stage of the race on Friday.

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Following Fin Tarling's tragic passing on Friday, the NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages.

Race organizers confirmed that the competition would proceed with the penultimate stage on Saturday. However, the event will be marked by tributes to Tarling, held before the start of the stage. The Volta issued a statement describing the day as "tragic for cycling" and declared the race would continue in an "atmosphere of profound mourning."

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The race continues. There will be a sporting competition, but not a party... This Saturday, the Volta rides for Finlay.

As a gesture of respect, the main sponsors agreed to cancel all promotional activities for the final two stages. "The race continues. There will be a sporting competition, but not a party... This Saturday, the Volta rides for Finlay," organizers stated. The incident occurred on the 166.8km route from Melgaco to Fafe. The National Republican Guard reported a collision between Tarling and a light goods vehicle, and an investigation is underway.

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This is not the time for speculation about the circumstances of the accident. The incident is being investigated by the GNR Command, which is responsible for rigorously establishing the facts.

NSN Development stated that with the full support of Fin's parents, the WorldTour team would continue racing at the Czech Tour and the Arctic Race of Norway, keeping Fin in their hearts. Tarling, the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh, had previously raced for Great Britain and was considered a promising time trial specialist. The Volta emphasized that this is not a time for speculation, as the investigation aims to establish the facts, acknowledging the profound shock and tragedy that transcends the competition itself.

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Cycling is a sport that involves risks, but we are never prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude. Finlay lost his life. A family lost a son. A team lost a team-mate. Cycling lost one of its own. It is a tragedy that transcends the competition itself.