Team Ineos has decided to temporarily withdraw from all racing until the Volta a Catalunya, which opens on March 23. The decision was made following the death of director Nicolas Portal, DSP, on Tuesday night, and also due to the ongoing coronavirus.

In a press release, the team said it has notified the UCI of its decision. Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Milan-San Remo will be canceled by order of the Italian government, and the team will skip Paris-Nice, Nokere Coase, and the Breden Coxsayde Classic.

"We have made this decision given the unique situation we face," said Ineos team principal Dave Brailsford. 'This is a supremely sad moment for the entire team. All of us have lost someone we loved very much and are grieving for Nico"

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"Given what has happened, we believe it is the right thing for the team, but also the best thing for the cycling community and the wider public.

The team's statement outlined a list of reasons for the decision, including the need to care for team members after Portal's passing and the duty of care to riders, staff, and the wider public as the coronavirus spreads throughout Europe.

"We do this:

"First and foremost, we take care of our team members, their families, and friends who are grieving the death of a loved teammate. "We also recognize our health care obligations to our players and staff in this very fast-moving and challenging situation of coronavirus. We are taking the best medical advice available and recognize that this is a special time for everyone, not just cycling. "Acknowledging our broader responsibility to the communities we will be moving through and our current burden on the public health authorities in those communities who are dealing with difficult and unprecedented circumstances. "Recognize the unique mobility of cycling with a peloton of athletes and staff moving through towns and regions"

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Brailsford said the team is currently grieving for Portal, who suffered a heart attack at his home in Andorra, adding that they appreciate all the messages of condolence received following the Frenchman's death.

"After yesterday's tragic news, we want to thank everyone for their messages. The messages really meant a lot to us as we try to come to terms with this terrible news

"Nico was invaluable to our team.

Brailsford also said the move was also intended to avoid a coronavirus outbreak in the UAE tour and to avoid a repeat of the situation that left four teams in quarantine.

"Cycling is a unique mobile sport. We have a duty of care not only to the riders and staff, but also to the people who live in the areas where the races take place. We don't want riders to become infected or be quarantined during the race, as has already happened," Brailsford said.

"Likewise, we are acutely aware that these are difficult times for health services in all regions, and the recent events in the UAE Tour illustrate some of these challenges facing cycling as a sport. "This pause will give us time to mourn Nico's passing personally, to support each other at a very sad moment, and to cherish the memories of a great and beloved teammate and friend. I hope everyone understands why this is important to us."