Volta a Portugal resumes in subdued form as NSN withdraws following death of Finlay Tarling
The Volta a Portugal will continue on Saturday following the tragic death of 19-year-old Finlay Tarling, although the final two days of the race will take place in a significantly adapted form. Tarling's NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the race, while several activities surrounding the event have been cancelled.
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Tarling died on Friday following a crash during the eighth stage from Melgaço to Fafe. The British rider, who competed for the development squad of NSN Cycling Team, collided with an oncoming van during a descent.
Portuguese authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Volta a Portugal organisation has urged against speculation while that investigation is ongoing, stressing that it is now up to the GNR to establish exactly what happened.
Initial reports in Portuguese media have provided further details about the accident, but no definitive conclusions have yet been reached.
The race organisation confirmed in a statement on Saturday morning that the 87th edition of the Volta a Portugal would resume with its penultimate stage, although under very different circumstances.
Before the start, the peloton and the wider race organisation will come together for a tribute to Tarling.
As a mark of respect, the race's main sponsors and organisers have also agreed to cancel all promotional activities scheduled for the final two days. The publicity caravan will not operate during the remaining stages, while the hospitality area will run with only essential services.
"There will be a sporting competition, but there will not be a celebration," the organisers said in their statement.
NSN Development Team leaves the race
NSN Cycling Team has meanwhile confirmed that its Development Team will not take part in the remaining stages of the Volta a Portugal.
"Following Fin Tarling's tragic passing on Friday, the NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages," the team said.
The organisation's WorldTour squad will continue racing at the Czech Tour and Arctic Race of Norway, with the support of Tarling's parents.
"We will continue to hold Fin in our hearts as we race in his honor, doing what he loved most," NSN said, while also thanking the cycling community and those beyond the sport for the support shown since Friday's tragedy.
Tarling's death has prompted tributes from throughout professional cycling. He was the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Joshua Tarling.
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