Oliveira dedicates Portugal stage win to Tarling familyImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Rui Oliveira has completed five Grand Tours between 2020 and 2024ByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished52 minutes agoRui Oliveira won the final stage of the Volta a Portugal in his home city of Porto before dedicating the win to Finlay Tarling’s family.British rider Tarling, 19, died after an accident during stage eight of the race on Friday.
The final two stages went ahead with the family’s blessing, although Tarling’s team NSN Development withdrew from the race.
Race leader Alexis Guerin was not challenged on the final day so the French rider secured the overall win while Oliveira prevailed in a sprint finish to claim the stage win.
“First I want to give my condolences to Fin’s family, friends, team – everyone,” reported the UAE Team Emirates rider. “It’s been a rough couple of days. I can imagine what they’re suffering.
“I reported yesterday that I wanted to win for everyone that’s supporting, but most of all for Fin’s family and his team-mates. This one is for them.”
Many of the riders were wearing black armbands as 29-year-old Oliveira, who was born and raised in Porto, claimed his first professional road victory.
“I’m so happy to win in my home,” added the reigning Olympic Madison champion, who had a Porto football shirt draped across his shoulders.
“I live here, [I’m] from Porto, [it’s] my club, and I passed near my home four times. That gave me extra motivation.
“And yeah, this one is for Fin’s family. They’re really in my heart, and all my family that was supporting me throughout these days.”
