Thursday, 19 April 2018:

CADEL EVANS acknowledges the fans after the Cadel Evans Ocean Road Race in Melbourne, Australia.

Swiss businessman Andy Rihs, a key figure in Cadel Evans' cycling career, has died aged 75.

Rihs owned the BMC cycling team, which released a statement announcing his death.

Evans joined BMC in late 2009 and two years later he became the first Australian to win the Tour de France.

Since the retirement of Evans from professional cycling, he has maintained strong links with the team and the BMC bicycle company.

"Andy was not only an owner and main sponsor of BMC Racing Team, but also a friend who enjoyed life and loved sharing that joy," the team said in the statement.

"With him, an exemplary visionary, an avid sports fan, a passionate cyclist, and a great supporter of sport has left us."

BMC have a strong Australian contingent, with Richie Porte, Simon Gerrans, Rohan Dennis and Miles Scotson on their roster.

AAP