Eight days ago, his younger brother died. Today, he's at the start of the Vuelta.

Eight days after the tragic death of his younger brother, Joshua Tarling will take to the start line of the Vuelta. The British cyclist, already known for his talent as one of the more gifted time trialists in the peloton, has defied expectations and will begin the race in Spain today. His resilience in the face of personal tragedy has stunned many within the cycling world. The incident occurred on August 14th, when the cycling community was rocked by the sudden passing of Finlay Tarling, a 20-year-old rider with the NSN team. At the time, reports indicated that the loss would have profound effects on his older brother, Joshua, who had previously won national titles in time trials and secured stage victories in Italy. Many speculated that the emotional toll might lead him to retire early, while others doubted whether he would even continue competing. However, Joshua has surprised everyone by choosing to race just eight days after his brother’s death. Tarling will compete in the opening time trial on the streets of a monastery, which is expected to see him as a clear favorite for victory. His ability to maintain composure under pressure, both mentally and physically, has been evident throughout his career. This race will serve as a test of his mental strength, though it will also provide an opportunity to showcase his physical prowess and potentially secure the first red jersey. Throughout the Vuelta, Tarling will ride alongside Carlos Rodríguez and Oscar Onley, fulfilling the role of assistant. Yet, given the explosive nature of the race, there will likely be moments where he can assert himself independently. The race begins today with a 9.4-kilometer time trial starting shortly after 4 p.m., with the final riders expected to cross the finish line around 7 p.m. The event promises to be challenging, with long distances and demanding conditions. Seven Slovenian cyclists will participate in the race, each assigned specific roles within their teams. Over the next three weeks, they will be visible at the forefront of different stages, contributing to the overall competition. The entire Vuelta can be followed live on Delo.si, with daily updates and predictions for each stage available to fans. The emotional weight of this race extends beyond the athletes themselves. For Joshua Tarling, it represents not only a personal challenge but also a tribute to his late brother. As he competes, the memory of Finlay will undoubtedly influence his performance, providing an additional drive to succeed. The outcome of this race could mark a significant moment in his career, demonstrating how far he has come since the tragic loss.