Kolesarsko moštvo Ineos je pretresla smrt športnega direktorja Nicolasa Portala. Kot so sporočili iz omenjene ekipe, je 40-letni Portal umrl zaradi srčnega infarkta na svojem domu v Andori.
Portal je kot kolesar šestkrat nastopil na dirki po Franciji, leta 2010 pa se je upokojil zaradi nepravilnega srčnega utripa.
Leta 2013 je postal športni direktor ekipe Sky in pomagal Chrisu Froomu do prvega slavja na francoski pentlji.
"Z globoko žalostjo sporočamo, da je umrl član našega moštva, kolega in prijatelj Nico Portal. Umrl je nenadoma to dopoldne v njegovem domu," so v spoočilu za javnost zapisali pri moštvu Ineos.
The thoughts of everyone at the UCI are with the family, friends and everyone @TeamINEOS after the tragic loss of Nicolas Portal today.
— UCI (@UCI_cycling) March 3, 2020
RIP Nicolas 💙 pic.twitter.com/9ojNLsaww2
We're living in some scary times but these news struck me like a lightning bolt. The ex-cyclist and one of the best sporting directors, Nicolas Portal (40 years old) died today... 💔 He was always a nice guy. My condolences to his family, friends and @TeamINEOS .
— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) March 3, 2020
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/6BXynC0t9q
We are in shock and saddened by this dreadful news. Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts go to @TeamINEOS, the family and friends of Nicolas Portal, a man who loved life and cycling, but was taken too soon from this world.
— Deceuninck-QuickStep (@deceuninck_qst) March 3, 2020
So sad to hear the shocking news that @TeamINEOS team director Nicolas Portal passed away. Just 40 years old. So unfair. Big thoughts to his family and team. #onefamily
— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) March 3, 2020