2009 Tour of Qatar:  Jean-Pierre Heynderrickx, Directeur Sportif of Team Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator, is surrounded by the media after the overnight death Thursday of his Belgian rider, Frederiek Nolf (inset).
photo Copyright © 2009 Fotoreporter Sirotti for cyclingfans.com

2009 Tour of Qatar:  Race officials, including Eddy Merckx, right, after learning of the death of Frederiek Nolf.
photo Copyright © 2009 Fotoreporter Sirotti for cyclingfans.com

2009 Tour of Qatar, Stage 5:  The stage was shortened and neutralized.
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2009 Tour of Qatar:  The peloton crosses the finish line in Stage 5.
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2009 Tour of Qatar:  The team of Frederiek Nolf, Team Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator, at his memorial service.
photo Copyright © 2009 Fotoreporter Sirotti for cyclingfans.com

2009 Tour of Qatar:  Team Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator.
photo Copyright © 2009 Fotoreporter Sirotti for cyclingfans.com

2009 Tour of Qatar:  Race officials, including Eddy Merckx and Christian Prudhomme, at the memorial service.
photo Copyright © 2009 Fotoreporter Sirotti for cyclingfans.com

photo Copyright © 2009 Fotoreporter Sirotti for cyclingfans.com