Chris Froome was very close to Nicolas Portal at Sky and Ineos. – GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
Terrified by the sad news, the cycling world was quick to respond to the death of Nicolas Portal, the former sporting director of the Ineos team. To start with
Chris Froome, who won his four
Tour de France alongside the former runner of the peloton converted into a racing strategist at Sky then Ineos. “My thoughts are with Nicolas’s wife and her children this evening. He was the nicest and happiest man I know, he still lived life to the fullest, “the British runner tweeted Tuesday evening.
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 pic.twitter.com/vfYF9slMQ3
– Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) March 3, 2020
Alberto Contador said he was “stunned” by the news while Michal Kwiatowski (Ineos) said he did not want to believe it. “Always smiling, always in good shape, always full of energy. Life is unfair, ”he wrote on his Twitter account.
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 honor to work with you. We will all miss you immensely.
– Tao Geoghegan Hart (@taogeoghegan) March 3, 2020
Another member of the Ineos team, Tao Geoghegan Hart speaks of Nicolas Portal as “real inspiration”. “His energy, his humility and his passion for life were so brilliant. Nico Portal, it was an honor to work with you. We will miss you very much, ”he concluded.
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