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Josh Tarling will start the 2026 Vuelta a España on Saturday, just eight days after his younger brother Finlay was tragically killed by a motorist at the Volta a Portugal.
Netcompany Ineos confirmed Thursday that the 22-year-old Josh will be part of a Vuelta selection that includes GC hopefuls Oscar Onley and Carlos Rodríguez.
Josh’s 19-year-old brother Finlay was killed on Friday when a driver took a vehicle onto the course against traffic at the Volta a Portugal.
The terrible incident in Portugal left a question mark over whether Josh, who had long been slated for La Vuelta, would be ready to return to the peloton. Netcompany Ineos was the last of 23 teams to confirm its selection for the Spanish race.
Netcompany Ineos director of racing Geraint Thomas suggested in a team statement Thursday that Josh made the final call to be at the Vuelta a España’s gran salida in Monaco on Saturday.
“It goes without saying that, as a team, we all fully support Josh in his decision to take part in the race,” Thomas said.
Former U23 time trial champion Josh is slated as a favorite for the 32km TT on stage 18 of the Spanish tour.
Finlay Tarling fundraiser smashes initial target
Finlay Tarling’s tragic death last week provoked an outpouring of support from across the cycling community, and sparked a debate over the need for a revision of helmet safety standards.
Netcompany Ineos was one of dozens of teams to offer its condolences to the Tarling family in the hours after the horrific incident.
“Everyone at Netcompany Ineos is heartbroken by the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling,” the team stated last week. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Josh, Michael, Dawn and the entire Tarling family, as well as Fin’s teammates, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
“We stand together with Josh and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Josh and Finlay’s parents Michael and Dawn Tarling subsequently set up a GoFundMe page to support future generations of young Welsh cyclists.
The initial fundraising goal of £40,000 was smashed within days and has since been doubled to £80,000.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Portugal launched an investigation into Finlay’s death on Tuesday.
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