Jimmy Turgis (B&B Hotels-Vital Concepts) has been forced to retire from cycling due to a heart defect. The Frenchman, who was due to begin his seventh season as a professional, will follow his brother Tanguy, who retired in late 2018 with the same problem.

The 28-year-old spent two years with Cofidis and three years with Roubaix Lille Metropole before moving to Vital Concept last season. Primarily a domestique, Turgis competed in the 2017 Vuelta a España, retiring on stage 15.

"Over a year ago, after Tanguy fell ill, I underwent extensive tests to see if I was suffering from the same condition.

"After a season in which I suffered two broken collarbones, I enter the 2019 race with a lot of confidence.

"New tests at the end of the year found palpitations and 10 days ago I underwent a high-intensity stress test with my teammates at the Nantes University Hospital. "7]

"The results were clear: I have a heart condition that is exacerbated by intensive effort and makes it impossible for me to continue playing top level sports. ."

Neoprofessionalism is a major factor in the success of the team.

His brother Tanguy, who was forced to retire during the NeoPro season, has completed his training as Director Sportif and will work for the team's feeder team, VCP Rudeac, but Jimmy has not yet decided on his next step.

"I still had many dreams and aspirations for my life as a rider, but this news just kind of came down and there was nothing I could do about it. I am fortunate to have good support. My wife and daughter have helped me build a life outside of cycling, and they give me comfort on a daily basis.

"Cycling has been a part of my life since childhood, so I feel a little lost ....... I had plans for the future in the back of my head, but they have to be put into action sooner than I thought. The hardest part will be seeing my life without sports."

Team manager Jerome Pineau added that the most important thing is that the disease was discovered before it became serious and that the team will support Jimmy as they did Tanguy.

"It's hard to hear this news, but the most important thing is that we found this disease," Pineau said. 'After Tanguy ended his career at the end of 2018, we decided to give the rider the necessary tests to make sure he was in full possession of his means or vulnerable to it. The diagnosis of Jimmy's pathology is the only good news in this announcement that saddens us all.

"Now (Jimmy) is deprived of his passion and that is the hardest part. We have to make do without him, but we will help him as much as we can with his projects and his new routine.

"Life goes on. Jimmy knows that."

Anthony, the middle brother of the Churgis trio, is the last pro rider left in the family after Jimmy's retirement. He spent four seasons with Cofidis before moving to Total Direct Energy last year and will continue with the French team in 2020.