Chris Froome says Nicolas Portal is irreplaceable in Team Ineos.
Former pro and sports director Portal died suddenly at his home in Andorra earlier this week, at 40 years old.
The Frenchman had a remarkable legacy in cycling, as he guided three different Team Ineos riders to eight Grand Tour victories.
Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France winner, said on Instagram: “I have been at a loss for words since I heard the news.
“Aside from what an amazing friend, father and husband Nico was, I don’t think people understand how important and influential Nico was in our team’s success over the years.
“He is completely irreplaceable to the point where it’s hard to imagine where to go from here.”
The cycling world has been mourning the loss of Portal, who died after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday afternoon (March 3).
Portal, a pro from 2001 until 2010, ended his career with Sky Procyling in 2010 due to a heart condition, going on to become a hugely successful and respected DS.
During his time as a director, Portal was behind the wheel of the team car for all of Chris Froome’s Tour de France victories, as well as his 2017 Vuelta a España win and the 2018 Giro d’Italia victory.
He was also DS for Geraint Thomas's 2018 Tour and Egan Bernal’s history-making yellow jersey win last year.
Froome added: “He was with me through the hard times, picking me up any time I doubted myself, and right by my side encouraging me to every success.
“He has left a truly phenomenal legacy. I will ride in his memory and do all I can to honour him and all that he taught me.”
Portal started his racing career in 2001 with AG2R Prévoyance, going on to ride for Caisse d’Epargne before he spent his last year in the peloton with Sky Procycling in 2010.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Extinction Rebellion stages anti-Shell protest at British Track Champs
Two people carried a banner through the stands at Newport's Geraint Thomas National Velodrome
-
60% of motorists unaware of Highway Code changes, one year after introduction
Charity Cycling UK has called on the government to raise awareness of the updates
-
CW Live: Chris Froome targets return to 'top level'; UCI tightens ITT rules; Strava responds to price hike criticism; Topless protesters arrested at TDU; Tributes paid to Lieuwe Westra; Scott recalls 'cracking' bikes; Toon Aerts the PE teacher
The latest news in the world of cycling
-
CW LIVE: Wout van Aert and Shirin van Anrooij win cyclo-cross in Koksijde; Rapha unveil EF Education kits; Police search for two suspects in Mark Cavendish robbery; Paris-Nice route announced; Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas to ride Tour Down Under
All the latest in the world of cycling
-
Egan Bernal has nose operation to help 'air passage' ahead of 2023
Procedure not thought to be connected to the life-threatening crash which affected Colombian last year
-
Tweets of the week: Ineos Grenadiers' three wise men, team jersey déjà vu and World Cup celebrations by bike
Here's our social media round-up, featuring a cycling all-star nativity
-
Tweets of the week: Chris Froome has GoPro problems, and Geraint Thomas grits roads
It might be cold outside, but these hot posts should keep you warm
-
Ineos Grenadiers sign their first female rider
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot reported to be joining new Ineos mountain bike team, alongside Tom Pidcock
-
Remco Evenepoel transfer to Ineos Grenadiers is ‘too stupid for words’ says Patrick Lefevere
Lefevere revealed he has been laughing at speculation around the new world champion
-
Ineos Grenadiers sign unknown 18-year-old Michael Leonard
Canadian is the latest young rider to join the British squad
