Earlier this week the cycling world mourned the loss of 21-year-old Frederiek Nolf, who was found dead in his hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton before the start of the fifth stage of the Tour of Qatar.
Nolf rode for the Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercatobel team, and was found by his team-mate.
The tragic circumstance motivated race organizers to neutralize the 5th stage, from Al Shahaniya Camel Race Track to Qatar Foundation, in memory of the fallen rider.
Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, President of Qatar Cycling Federation, said Tour of Qatar will honour Nolf in next year’s race during it’s fifth stage.
He told The Peninsula, “We will name the trophy of the fifth stage after Nolf. That trophy will be presented to the winner of the fifth stage from next year. We did not hand out a trophy this year because of what happened today, but will do that from next season.”
The trophy will serve as a permanent memorial to Nolf.