Belgian Cycler Frederiek Nolf dies in his sleep

Belgian cyclist Frederiek Nolf has died in his sleep only hours after riding the fourth stage of the Tour of Qatar. Belgium's Eddy Merckx, who is Tour director, said the fifth stage of the Tour would not be run as a competition.

The 21-year-old was a member of the Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator team, which has now pulled out of the event. 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.

BBC SPORT