The Route d'Occitanie race organization will pay tribute to Nico Portal of Team Ineos prior to one of the final stages of the four-day race that started today (Saturday) Mr. Portal, who died in early March, was from the department of Gers, where the majority of the final stage is located, He often trained on the roads that would set the stage for the important mountain stage to the Col de Baillade on Monday.

Ineos team boss Dave Brailsford told Cycling News that the race organization has been in touch with Portal's family.

"I think something is being planned for Monday or Tuesday. Magary, his partner, and his children seem to be particularly involved. There is also consideration being given to having Portal's young son start the final stage by waving the flag.

The Ineos boss said that on his way to Route d'Occitanie, he stopped in Osh to meet Portal's family. 'It was very sad,' he said. 'They were fine, but I reminded them that Nico's funeral was his last public appearance. After that we were in captivity for a long time. I think this will stay with everyone for a while."

"This race has a special meaning," he said. Now we are all out of our homes and out of captivity. I'm very happy to be able to pay my respects to him."

Tour de France champion Egan Bernal agreed with Brailsford's comments. He added: "The race on Nico's home turf is very special for us. We all miss him and we want to remember him in the best way possible," the Colombian said just before the start of the first stage in Occitanie, Saint-Affric.