'Tragic Death of 19-Year-Old Cycling Prospect Revealed; Driver Faces No Criminal Charges "Local Police Investigation Results..."

*This content was translated by AI.

The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a 19-year-old British cyclist in an unexpected accident during a race have been revealed through police investigation. It was found that spectators, mistakenly believing the race had ended, directed a van driver to enter the course, leading to a fatal disaster.

British media outlet 'Daily Mail' reported on the 18th (Korea time) that "according to the investigation by the Portuguese Republican Guard, spectators at an access road where no police were present waved for a van driver to proceed, resulting in a fatal collision with Finley Talling."

According to investigators, the van driver stopped at the access road and asked surrounding spectators whether the race had ended after seeing the main group of riders pass. Believing all the final riders had passed, the spectators signaled that it was safe to enter. No police officer was stationed at the scene.

A Portuguese police official explained via Portuguese media outlet 'A Bola' and Dutch cycling specialist publication 'Wieler Revue' that "it is impossible to station police at every access point on the course. The accident site had signage but was a secondary road without police presence."

The official further stated, "The van was not driving in the wrong direction; it was traveling in the correct lane. Talling, who had fallen behind the main group of riders, accelerated down a downhill section and turned to the far left of the course, colliding with the windshield." The driver is not expected to face criminal charges as there was no intent.

Earlier, Finley Talling, a 19-year-old cycling prodigy from Wales, suffered an accident during the eighth stage of the 'Volta a Portugal' race held in Portugal on the 15th and ultimately passed away despite emergency treatment. The race was immediately suspended with approximately 20 kilometers remaining to the finish line. His brother is reportedly Josh Talling, a world-class cycling star who finished fourth in the time trial at the 2024 Paris Olympics and won a stage at the Giro d'Italia.

Immediately after the accident, the Professional Cyclists' Association (CPA) expressed outrage, stating, "We cannot contain our anger that such a tragic accident could still not be prevented," and strongly criticized the organizers for safety management lapses. CPA President Adam Hansen said, "While it is easy for spectators to assume the race has ended once the main group passes, there can actually be a gap of up to 45 minutes with the rear group," urging immediate measures.

In grief, Talling's parents, Michael and Dawn, shared their feelings via social networking services (SNS). The bereaved family said, "We are going through the most difficult days of our lives. Finley was not only our son and brother but also our best friend. Although his life was short at just 19 years old, he lived a life filled with wonderful experiences and achievements, and we are incredibly proud of him."

The family further added that they had launched a memorial fund totaling 40,000 pounds (approximately 76 million won) to support the next generation of Welsh youth cycling athletes.

Talling's team, NSN Development Team, the Portuguese Cycling Federation, Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro, and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) all issued official condolences, mourning the final journey of the promising 19-year-old athlete.

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*This content was translated by AI.