Last week the entire cycling family was deeply saddened by the death of Finlay Tarling after being struck by a vehicle during the Vuelta a Portugal at just 19 years old. The whole peloton has been surprised by the resolve of his brother Josh, who decided to compete with his team Netcompany-Ineos in the Vuelta to honor his brother’s memory. Josh Tarling was cheered as he rolled down the time-trial ramp and once again proved to be one of the best time trialists in the world, recording the third-fastest time on the 7 km Monaco circuit.
Tarling stepped onto the podium to collect the white jersey and there he met the stage winner, Pogacar, who gave him a warm hug. “I’ve also ridden for him today and I would have loved for Josh to be the winner today,” said the five-time Tour winner and the first red jersey wearer of the Vuelta 2026.
Tras la etapa Josh Tarling declaró que “estoy muy contento, tan contento como puedo estarlo. Lo he dado todo. No puedo hacer mucho más. Obviamente, ha sido un buen recorrido para mí. Me ha gustado, técnico y con muchas curvas, muy parecido al del Tour, pero menos la subida. Necesitaba distraerme. Tengo que agradecer a mi familia por darme su apoyo para venir aquí y simplemente correr otra carrera de ciclismo”.
