LISBON, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- British cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, died Friday after colliding with a light commercial vehicle traveling in the opposite direction during the eighth stage of the 87th Tour of Portugal, according to Portugal's National Republican Guard (GNR).
Tarling, born in Wales, was riding for the Swiss team NSN Development Team. He had fallen behind the main peloton when a vehicle traveling against the flow of race traffic struck him head-on on the EN 306 road in Arcozelo, in the Ponte de Lima municipality of northern Portugal, Lusa news agency reported, citing GNR.
Tarling was attended to immediately at the scene but succumbed to his injuries.
The eighth stage, between Melgaco and Fafe, was suspended with approximately 20 kilometers remaining following the accident.
"The organization of the Volta a Portugal (Tour of Portugal) and the Portuguese Cycling Federation deeply regret to announce the death of British rider Finlay Tarling, aged 19, of NSN Development Team, following a serious accident during the eighth stage," organizers said in a statement, extending condolences to his family, teammates and friends.
In a mark of respect and mourning, the scheduled podium ceremony was canceled.
The vehicle involved in the collision was not part of the race convoy. ■
