Aug 14 (Reuters) - British cyclist ⁠Finlay Tarling died following an accident that ⁠occurred during the eighth stage of the Volta a ‌Portugal race, his team said on Friday.

Tarling, 19, was a Welsh time trial specialist who had joined the NSN Development Team last ​year.

"We are heartbroken to announce the ⁠passing of Finlay Tarling ⁠at the Volta a Portugal today," his 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."

Race officials said in a statement: "The organisation of ⁠the Volta ​a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation express their most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his ⁠teammates, to the NSN Development Team, ​and to all his friends and loved ones.

"In light of this tragic event, the race will be neutralized until ⁠reaching Fafe and, as a sign of respect and mourning, the podium ceremony scheduled for today will not take place."

Portugal's RTP broadcaster said Tarling was hit by a ​non-race car driving in the ⁠opposite direction.

Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro expressed his condolences, saying ​Tarling's death had "plunged the peloton, the ‌tournament and the host nation ​into mourning."

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru and Tiago Brandao in Gdansk, editing by Pritha Sarkar)