Tarling to compete in Vuelta a Espana days after brother's death

Welsh cyclist Josh Tarling is set to compete in the upcoming Vuelta a Espana, a major Grand Tour cycling race, just over a week after the tragic death of his younger brother, Finlay Tarling. The race is scheduled to begin on Saturday.

Finlay Tarling, 19, passed away following an accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal. According to local broadcaster RTP, he was struck by a non-race vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the cycling community.

Despite the profound personal loss, Josh Tarling has been included in the Netcompany-Ineos team lineup for the Vuelta a Espana, which runs from August 22 to September 13. The team's Director of Racing, Geraint Thomas, has stated that the team fully supports Josh's decision to participate in the demanding three-week race.

Josh's mother, Dawn, shared on Instagram that the family also backs his choice to compete. She conveyed that Finlay was immensely proud of his older brother and would have been enthusiastically watching him race. "So it is right that Josh honours that love and pride by doing what Fin always loved watching him do," she wrote, highlighting the deep bond between the brothers and Finlay's passion for Josh's career.

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Finlay was so incredibly proud of his big brother, and would be watching nose to the TV and shouting as he competed. So it is right that Josh honours that love and pride by doing what Fin always loved watching him do.