Parents of Finlay Tarling pay emotional tribute to their son, GoFundMe created to help future cyclists

The parents of Finlay Tarling have commented on the tragic loss of their son, saying that the tributes paid to him and the well wishes of many have given their family strength at a very difficult time.

Michael and Dawn Tarling posted an emotional message on social media on Sunday, two days after their 19-year-old son was hit by a car at the Volta a Portugal and passed away.

Tarling was behind the peloton at the time and struck by a driver traveling in the opposite direction. The car remained at the scene and Portuguese police have opened an investigation.

“This has been the hardest couple of days of our lives and it’s taken us a bit of time to be able to post this,” his parents wrote on social media.

“One of the things that has helped carry us through is the wave of posts, messages, emails, articles and calls from across our family, friends, team, local and sporting communities. Hearing how lovingly and fondly Fin was thought of has been a huge help to us.

“We simply can’t thank you all enough for the support we’ve had.”

Tarling was just 19 years of age and in his first year as part of the NSN Development team, a squad attached to the WorldTour NSN Cycling Team. He was third in this year’s under 23 national championship time trial and also second and fourth on stages of the Tour du Rwanda.

His brother Josh Tarling is part of the Ineos Grenadiers team.

‘This one is for Fin’s family’

The Tour of Portugal concluded on Sunday in Porto and stage winner Rui Oliveira spoke out about the tragedy.

“I just want to give my condolences to Fin’s family, his brother, his friends, his team, everyone,” stated the Portuguese rider. “It has been a rough couple of days, I cannot imagine what they are suffering. I said yesterday that I wanted to win, first of all, for Fin’s family and his teammates. This one is for them.

“I am so, so happy to win in my home. I live here, I am from Porto. I passed near my home four times; it gave me extra motivation, and this one is for Fin’s family. They are really in my heart, and for all my family who have supported me throughout these days.”

Others are also thinking about the family. Rider agent Jamie Barlow has set up a Go Fund Me, which Michael Tarling referred to on Sunday.

“We’ve not quite got the headspace to have a clear plan yet but we’re so touched by the outpouring of support for Fin and us that we want to create a legacy for him that helps other young cyclists share the joy and chase the same dreams he had on the bike,” he said.

“Any donations will 100% go to supporting kids and youth cycling.”

At the time of writing the campaign has raised over £23,000 out of a goal of £40,000.

“This fund can hopefully serve as part of a legacy project providing an opportunity to help future generations of young Welsh riders discover the freedom and confidence that a bike can give a child,” states the fundraising page.

“We hope it can also bring some small measure of comfort and peace to Dawn, Michael and Josh, as well as to his extended family and loved ones.

“100% of funds will be donated and allocated in due course, with full transparency.”

It can be found here and donations are welcome.

‘Give him a thought as you clip in’

The news of Finlay Tarling’s passing has been a huge shock to his loved ones but also the wider cycling world in general.

Many big names have paid tribute to him, including Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar, and so too other current and former professionals.

The accident has led to calls to improve the safety of the sport, which has seen a number of riders deaths in recent years.

Several riders have been hit and killed by cars while training this year, with motor vehicles being one of the biggest dangers that cyclists face.

His family are trying to come to terms with what happened, but it will clearly take a lot of time to try to adjust to what has happened.

“I don’t know how we carry on from here but we’ll figure out with the support of all of our family, friends and community,” stated his parents.

“Whilst our broken hearts will never be fixed, he was not only our son and brother but our best mate. Gentle, loving with the driest sense of humour we will miss him terribly.

“Whilst he was only 19 his short life was packed full of wonderful experiences and achievements and we couldn’t be prouder of him.”

They said they would share funeral details when available, and asked cyclists to keep their son in mind.

“If you’re heading out on your bike in the next few days give him a thought as you clip in.”