British cyclist Josh Tarling will compete in the upcoming Vuelta a Espana in tribute to his younger brother Finlay, who tragically died following a fatal crash at the Volta a Portugal.
Nineteen-year-old Finlay was riding for the NSN Development Team during the eighth stage in northern Portugal on August 14 when he collided with a non-race light goods vehicle that had driven onto the course.
Netcompany-Ineos confirmed on Thursday that time trial specialist Josh, 22, was named in their lineup for the Spanish Grand Tour. Following the announcement, his parents, Dawn and Michael, posted a moving tribute on Instagram.
“On Saturday, Joshua will be riding the Vuelta,” the social media message read.
“He has chosen to do so in honour of his brother Fin, with the full support of his family, surrounded by a team who have been incredibly supportive of whatever decision he made.
“I could not have wished for two boys who were closer growing up and into adulthood we have watched with pride as Joshua has been the most loving and supportive big brother to Fin. Following this devastating news, he has been an incredible strength for us all.
“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.”
This year’s Vuelta a Espana starts in Monaco on August 22 and concludes in Granada on September 13.
Netcompany-Ineos director of racing Geraint Thomas confirmed the squad’s complete backing for his fellow Welsh cyclist.
“It goes without saying that, as a team, we all fully support Josh in his decision to take part in the race,” Thomas said on the team’s website.
The cycling community has rallied around the Tarling family following Finlay’s death, with the professional riders’ union earlier this week saying it was “speechless and filled with anger” as it called for a serious overhaul of racing safety measures.
The riders’ union, the Cyclistes Professionnels Associés (CPA), said: “We are speechless and filled with anger after the news of Finlay Tarling’s death at the Tour of Portugal. It is not right that a young athlete’s life should end this way, and we are furious that even today it is still not possible to prevent such serious accidents.”
