A tragedy has left the cycling world in shock. During the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal, which was taking place from Melgaço to Fafe, an accident claimed the life of Finlay Tarling, a 19-year-old British cyclist riding for NSN Development Team, the younger brother of Joshua.

The organizers of the Portuguese competition issued a statement expressing their deepest condolences for the death of the British cyclist. The statement also specified that following the serious accident, the race was neutralized until the finish line and no scheduled award ceremonies were held.

According to reports from the Bola website and various other Portuguese sources, a man driving a car, ignoring the instructions of race marshals, entered the race course in the opposite direction to the riders' flow, hitting Finlay.

CONDOLENCES FROM THE ORGANIZATION AND PORTUGUESE FEDERATION. "At this moment of profound dismay, the organizers of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation express their deepest condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, his teammates, NSN Development Team, and all his friends and loved ones," the organizers wrote on their social media profiles.

MESSAGE FROM NSN TEAM. This is the message from Finlay's team: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Finlay Tarling, which occurred today during the Volta a Portugal. Fin was a much-loved member of our team, but above all he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many people. We will miss him deeply. Our deepest condolences go to Fin's parents, Michael and Dawn, to his brother Josh, and to all those who had the privilege of calling him a friend. Rest in peace Fin".

FINLAY TARLING'S YOUNG CAREER. Despite his young age, Finlay had particularly distinguished himself at this year's Tour du Rwanda, securing second place in the stage finishing in Musanze, won by his teammate Itamar Einhorn; less than two months ago he also finished on the podium of the British national U23 time trial championship, placing behind Ben Wiggins and Henry Hobbs.