reputation within cycling for his impressive attention to detail. He had strong relationships with key riders
including Chris Froome, and his pre-stage reconnaissance missions proved invaluable to the five-time Tour
de France champion’s successes.
In a statement, Team Ineos said: “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.”
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.”
Tributes quickly poured out from the cycling community for one of the most respected managers around.
Ineos rider Tao Geoghegan Hart tweeted: “I never met someone Nico didn’t have time for. I never met
someone who didn’t think the world of Nico. He was a true inspiration. His energy, his humility & his
passion for life shone so brightly. Nico Portal, it was an honour to work with you. We will all miss you
immensely.”
Retired Manx rider Peter Kennaugh wrote of Portal: “My first room mate as a pro. I Can’t believe the news
of Nico Portal passing away my thoughts and love are with his family who he cherished more than anything.
The friendliest most genuine, kind person you could wish to meet, words can’t explain how much he will be
missed x.”
Portal’s former Team Sky teammate Serge Pauwels tweeted: ”Terrible news. He was my teammate ten years
ago in Team Sky and my sports director the next year. Always smiling, both on and off the bike and in the
director’s car. My thoughts are with his family and his team.”