Josh Tarling to race Vuelta a España 2025 after brother's death

British professional cyclist Josh Tarling will compete in the 2025 Vuelta a España eight days after the death of his 19-year-old brother, Finlay. The younger Tarling was killed in a crash during stage eight of the Volta a Portugal last Friday.

Josh is set to start the Vuelta on Saturday, choosing to continue racing after the tragedy. His parents, Dawn and Michael, confirmed his decision in a personal message shared on Instagram.

Finlay was riding for the NSN Development Team on the 166.8-kilometre stage from Melgaço to Fafe when a vehicle entered the route, which had been closed for the race, and struck him. His death led to tributes from across the cycling community.

The Cyclistes Professionnels Associés, the organisation representing professional riders, said the news had left the cycling peloton deeply distressed and angry. Portuguese President António José Seguro also expressed his condolences, saying the incident had affected both the cycling community and Portugal.

The 2025 Vuelta a España begins in Monaco on Saturday and finishes in Granada on 13 September. Tarling’s participation means his return to competition will come only days after the loss of his brother, with the race carrying a personal significance beyond its sporting outcome.