MADRID — Welsh rider Josh Tarling is set to take part in the Spanish Vuelta, just over a week after his brother Finlay Tarling was killed in the Volta a Portugal.
Netcompany Ineos named its team for the race, including the 22-year-old time trial specialist Josh, who returns to the Vuelta after making his debut in 2024 and a month after completing his first Tour de France.
“We all fully support Josh in his decision to take part in the race,” team race director Geraint Thomas said.
The 19-year-old Finlay Tarling was killed during Stage 8 of the Volta a Portugal on Aug. 14 when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver reportedly missed the signs from stewards and entered the road going in the opposite direction of the race.
Cycling team NSN withdrew its development squad from the rest of the race the following day.
Finlay Tarling, like his older brother, also was a time-trial specialist.
The 81st Vuelta starts with a very technical individual time trial in Monaco, where race favorite Tadej Pogacar lives.
The Slovenian rider is aiming to complete a Grand Tour hat trick after winning a record-equaling fifth Tour de France to add to his 2024 Giro d’Italia triumph. The Vuelta is the only Grand Tour race Pogacar has yet to conquer.
