British cyclist Finlay Tarling has died, aged 19, following a crash during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal on Friday, the race’s organisers have confirmed.

Tarling, the younger brother of Netcompany Ineos rider Josh, was racing for NSN Development Team when he was involved in a crash during the 167km stage to Fafe. Following the tragic incident, the stage was neutralised.

Initial reports from Portugal suggest that the incident may have been caused by a member of the public driving on the course, though these reports have not yet been confirmed by the race organisers or the Portuguese Cycling Federation.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, a spokesperson for the National Republican Guard stated that the fatal collision involved a “light vehicle”, which the newspaper reports was travelling in the opposite direction to the race. The crash is being investigated by police.

“We regret to inform you of the accident and extend our condolences,” Major Tiago Machado said. “We emphasise that we always prioritise maximum safety for cyclists, with a mobile and static safety device deployed throughout the entire stage to prevent accidents.

“The circumstances of the accident will be investigated, and a resolution will be communicated when available. The accident occurred further back in the stage, and efforts will be made to investigate. There was a collision between the cyclist and a light vehicle. We are currently investigating.”

Correio da Manhã has reported that the crash was allegedly caused by a motorist, a member of the public, who made a U-turn on the course and collided head-on with Tarling, though this is yet to be confirmed by police.

“The organisers of the 87th Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta Jogos Santa Casa deeply regret to announce the death of British rider Finlay Tarling, of the NSN Development Team, following a serious accident during Stage 8 of the race, between Melgaço and Fafe,” the organisers of the stage race said in a statement on Friday evening.

“At this time of profound sorrow, the organisers of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation extend their deepest condolences to Finlay Tarling’s family, his teammates, the NSN Development Team, and all his friends and loved ones.

“In light of this tragic event, the race will be neutralised until the finish in Fafe, and, as a mark of respect and mourning, the podium ceremony scheduled for today will not take place. The organisers will provide further information as soon as circumstances allow.”

The Welsh teenager’s NSN team, who he joined last year, have released the following statement: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today.

“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.”

Like his brother Josh, Finlay was a promising young time triallist, and finished third at the U23 British time trial championships in June. Riding for NSN, he impressed at February’s Tour of Rwanda, finishing second and fourth on two stages.

Last year, Tarling made his debut for NSN’s elite team (then Israel-Premier Tech) at the Tour of Britain, where he finished 68th overall and made it into the breakaway on stage five to the Tumble, won by Remco Evenepoel.

From everyone at road.cc, our heartfelt condolences go out to the Tarling family at this terrible time.