FINLAY TARLING’S parents shared a heartbreaking tribute after their son died aged 19 following an awful crash at the Vola a Portugal.
Michael and Dawn Tarling spoke of their “broken hearts” – while thanking friends and the sporting community for their support.
Michael and Dwan Tarling pose with her son Finlay Credit: Instagram @michaeltarling
Finlay Tarling was tragically killed in a road accident Credit: Getty
Teenage cyclist Tarling died after being hit by a car in a horror road crash between Melgaco and Fafe, Portugal.
Paramedics rushed to the scene, but could not save Finlay, who died of his injuries.
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Alongside a picture of themselves with their late son, Michael and Dawn wrote in a joint-Instagram post: “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.
“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.
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“We simply can’t thank you all enough for the support we’ve had.
“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.
“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.
Finlay was a beloved figure in the cycling community Credit: Getty
Tarling’s death has rocked the cycling world Credit: EPA
“If you’re heading out on your bike in the next few days give him a thought as you clip in.
“We will of course share funeral details as soon as we know.”
The post received several kind wishes, including from significant figures within cycling.
Bradley Wiggins left a heart emoji, while Mathieu van der Poel wrote: “Life isn’t fair. Wishing you lots of strength.”
TNT Sports host Manon Lloyd commented: “Sending so much love to you all”.
And her colleague Orla Chennaoui said: “I am so desperately sorry for this unimaginable sadness. For what it’s worth I am sending all my love to your family.”
Australian former cyclist Robbie McEwen wrote: “My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Finlay’s friends & loved ones. Wishing you all strength in the face of this tragedy.”
British cyclist Ethan Vernon commented: “Sending all our love from everyone at NSN. Fin was such a huge part of our team and our culture, but above all, he was a great friend to so many of us. He will be deeply missed, and we’ll carry his memory with us and race for him in the years to come.”
And Cat Ferguson added: “Sending you all my love. Fin’s big happy smile will never be forgotten”.
Finlay was the younger brother of Ineos cyclist Josh Tarling.
His death has sparked “fury” from the cyclists’ union.
A statement read: “We are speechless and filled with anger.
“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.
“We share in the grief of his family, friends, team, and everyone who knew Finlay. Rest in peace, young rider; we pray for you, and we will carry you in our hearts.”
