Finlay Tarling dies in Tour of Portugal crash

British cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, died Friday in a crash during the eighth stage of the Tour of Portugal, race organisers and police said.

Tarling, a rider with the NSN Development Team, died after a “serious accident” during the stage between Melgaço and Fafe, organisers said. The podium ceremony was cancelled as a sign of respect and mourning.

Tiago Machado, a spokesman for Portugal's National Republican Guard, said there had been a collision between a cyclist and a light vehicle toward the back of the peloton. He said the exact circumstances were not yet known and would be investigated.

Portuguese broadcaster RTP, which was televising the race, reported that Tarling was involved in a head-on collision with a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction and not connected to the event. RTP said the stage was suspended with about 20 kilometres remaining.

Jose Marques, who is responsible for stage safety at the Tour of Portugal, told RTP that organisers try to correct road signage before stages to give riders maximum protection, but that traffic can be controlled by security forces only to a certain extent. “We will know more later, but in any case, something went wrong for this to have happened,” he said.

Candido Barbosa, president of the Portuguese Cycling Federation, said athlete safety was the race's top priority and urged riders to stay strong as they complete the tour.

NSN Development Team confirmed Tarling's death and sent condolences to his parents and brother Josh, who rides for Netcompany-Ineos. British Cycling said it was “heartbroken” and called Tarling a talented rider and loyal teammate. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also expressed condolences to Tarling's family and team.