Belgian cyclist Frederiek Nolf has died in his sleep only hours after riding the fourth stage of the Tour of Qatar. The 21-year-old was a member of the Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator team, which has now pulled out of the event.
"Our thoughts are with Frederiek's family, his girlfriend and his mates," said a team statement.
As a mark of respect, Thursday's fifth stage has been shortened to 40km and neutralised, meaning that it will not be contested by the riders.
Nolf turned professional in 2008 and the Tour of Qatar was his first race of the new season. He finished 90th in Wednesday's 141-kilometre stage four to Madinat Al Shamal, which Cavendish won.
The cause of death is not yet known, but team manager Christophe Sercu said he was not aware of Nolf having any health problems.
Simon says: - "I'm sure you'll all join with me in conveying our collective condolences to his family. Such a tragic loss and seemingly inexplicable at this stage. Terrible.
Great respect to the tour and his fellow cyclists, there's not many sports where the next race/game would effectively be ridden/played in a fallen colleagues honour and a neutral result recorded".
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