A 19-year-old professional cyclist has tragically died following an accident during a road race in Portugal.
Videos by Wide Open Country
British rider Finlay Tarling was involved in a collision with a non-race vehicle during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal.
Tarling was the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh Tarling, who has represented Great Britain in both road and track cycling.
Cyclist Dies Following Crash During Road Race
Tarling was competing for the NSN Development Team when the incident occurred on the 166.8-kilometer (104-mile) route from Melgaco to Fafe.
Major Tiago Machado of Portugal's National Republican Guard said the incident involved "a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle".
Machado confirmed that authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the fatal crash.
"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today," Tarling's racing team said in a statement.
"Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed."
"Our deepest condolences go out to Fin's parents Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone who was lucky enough to call Fin a friend."
Race organizers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation also expressed their "most heartfelt condolences" to Tarling's family, teammates, friends and loved ones.
Tributes Pour In for Finlay Tarling
Following the fatal accident, organizers stopped the race and canceled the scheduled podium ceremony as a sign of "respect and mourning".
Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro said Tarling's death "plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning".
The 19-year-old was a highly-rated young cyclist and promising time trialist, having placed third in the under-23 time trial at the British National Championships this summer.
"All of us at British Cycling are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal," Stephen Park CBE, the performance director for the Great Britain cycling team, said.
"Fin was a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man."
"Our deepest sympathies are with his parents and brother, Josh at this tragic time."
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the cycling community following the heartbreaking loss of one of Britain's promising young riders.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, with further details expected as that process moves forward.
