Team Ineos DS Nicolas Portal dies aged 40

In a statement on the team website Team Ineos said:

"We are all overcome with grief at this terrible news and would ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.

"RIP Nico - your spirit will always be with us on the road and you will forever be in our hearts."

Portal retired from professional racing in 2010 whilst with Team Sky and he immediately joined the team as a manager.

It is being reported by L'Equipe and La Gazzetta dello Sport that the cause of death was a sudden heart attack, problems with cardiac arrhythmia in 2009 had partially caused Portal's retirement.

In 2013 he was promoted to the DS role taking over from the recently retired Sean Yates and was the youngest DS at the 2013 Tour de France when Chris Froome won his first yellow jersey.

During his tenure Team Sky/Ineos were became a dominant force in the peloton and helped guide Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal to victory.

Froome tweeted "My thoughts are with Nico’s wife and children tonight. He was the kindest, happiest guy I knew and always lived life to the fullest. Rest In Peace Nico"

Eurosport presenter Orla Chennaoui tweeted “Nico Portal was a rare being in professional sport - a gentleman who always had time and a smile for everyone.

“I first met him a rider and through all his success as a DS, he never seemed to change. A kindly father, and father figure. My heart goes out to his family and the team.”

Yates tweeted "What can I say. RIP Nico. You were a great friend and person. I will never forget the fun we had together or the kindness you and your family showed me and mine.

"Truly a special person who will be missed my all. Strength to your family."