'I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my world champion brother...' Shocking fatal accident at 19, even the president offers condolences: "The entire nation is in mourning"

*This content was translated by AI.

A promising British cyclist died unexpectedly in a traffic accident during an open competition at the age of 19.

British media 'Daily Mail' reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "British cyclist Finlay Talling died in a tragic accident that occurred during the Volta ao Portugal."

According to local reports including the UK's 'BBC', Talling, a 19-year-old promising talent from Wales, was involved in an accident while racing on the eighth stage of the 166.8km section heading north to Paredes, Portugal.

His team, NSN Development, announced via its official social networking service (SNS) that "we are deeply saddened to inform you that Talling has passed away at Volta ao Portugal." They added, "Finlay was a player greatly loved by the team and, above all, a precious son, brother, and friend to countless people. We will miss him terribly."

Furthermore, NSN stated, "We extend our deepest condolences to Finlay's parents, Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone who had the fortune to call him a friend."

The Portuguese Cycling Federation also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to Talling's bereaved family, teammates, club, and friends through its official SNS, announcing that "the awards ceremony, which is typically held to pay respects and honor the deceased, will not be held."

According to a report by local media 'RTP', this accident was caused by an ordinary vehicle unrelated to the competition. The vehicle entered in the wrong direction and struck Talling, who was positioned at the rear of the main group of cyclists. Talling received immediate emergency treatment right after the accident but ultimately passed away.

Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro also stated, "Talling's death has plunged the peloton, the competition, and all of Portugal that welcomed him into mourning," adding, "We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his team, and the entire cycling community."

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) also issued a statement expressing deep sorrow: "We are unable to contain our grief over the tragic death of British cyclist Talling in a serious accident during the eighth stage of Volta ao Portugal. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues."

Meanwhile, Finlay Talling's brother, Josh Talling, is known as a world-class cyclist who was a track cycling world champion and won a stage at last year's Giro d'Italia, adding to the sorrow.

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*This content was translated by AI.