Geraint Thomas has paid a moving tribute to former sporting director of Team Sky.
Team Ineos (previously Team Sky) sporting director Nicolas Portal died suddenly at his Andorra home at the age of 40.
A former professional cyclist himself he was instrumental in Chris Froome's four triumphs in the Tour de France from 2013 to 2017.
Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas paid tribute to his "friend" who was "too young to be taken".
He wrote on his Instagram: "Can’t quite get my head around it, it’s too sad.
"Nico was so talented, warm, genuine and always there when I needed him.
"He was more than my colleague, he was my friend.
"My thoughts are with his wife and children, who he put above everything else.
"I’ll always remember him dancing with his little girl in Paris in to the early hours. He was too young to be taken away from them.
"Nico, I’ll miss you mate, you were one of the good ones."
A statement from Team Ineos said the Frenchman died on Tuesday afternoon.
It read: "It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of our much loved team mate, colleague and friend Nico Portal who died suddenly this afternoon at his home in Andorra.
"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."
