The Tour of Portugal has been rocked by a tragic accident that killed rising star Finlay Tarling.

During the eighth stage of the race, 19-year-old Tarling was hit by a car that was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the road on National Route 306 in the Ponte de Lima region.

The car was not a race vehicle and it was heading into the oncoming peloton at around 3.40 pm local time on Friday.

Emergency services rushed to his aid but he could not be revived.

Tarling is the brother of 22-year-old Olympian and European champion Josh Tarling, who recently competed in the Tour de France for the Netcompany–Ineos team.

The brothers are from Wales.

“The organisers of the Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta, Jogos Santa Casa, deeply regret to announce the death of British cyclist Finlay Tarling, from the NSN Development Team, following a serious accident that occurred during the eighth stage of the race, between Melgaço and Fafe,” a statement said.

“At this time of profound sorrow, the organisers of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation extend their deepest condolences to Finlay Tarling’s family, his teammates, the NSN Development Team, and all his friends and loved ones.”

More information is expected to come as soon as conditions allow.

Josh Tarling was riding for the NSN Development Team.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today,” the team said.

“Fin was a much-loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Fin’s parents Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone who was lucky enough to call Fin a friend. Rest in peace, Fin.”

Great Britain cycling team performance director Stephen Park said: “All of us at British Cycling are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal.

“Fin was a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man.

“Our deepest sympathies are with his parents and brother, Josh at this tragic time.”

Portugal president Antonio Jose Seguro said: “The President of the Republic offers his deepest condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his teammates at NSN Development Team, and to the entire cycling community, joining in their grief with deep emotion.”

After the accident the eighth stage of the race was neutralised and the peloton rode as one to Fafe.