Scarponi leaves behind a wife, Anna, and twin sons Giacomo and Tommaso, and Nibali – who sealed overall victory on the final day of the race – dedicated the win to Scarponi’s family.

“I did not pursue victory at all costs but, my friend, it came so easily,” he wrote in Italian on Twitter.

One picture says more than a thousand words… @vincenzonibali @ the start of @Tour_of_Croatia today #RIPScarpa #esbringa pic.twitter.com/K9Lxr2DQlQ

— Laszlo Pinter (@PraeriePanther) April 22, 2017

Meanwhile, Alejandro Valverde donated the prize money he won at Liege-Bastogne-Liege on Sunday to Scarponi’s family, pointing to the sky as he crossed the finishing line in first place.

Scarponi was declared the winner of the 2011 Giro d’Italia having initially finished runner-up to Alberto Contador before the Spaniard was disqualified for his failed doping test for clenbuterol at the 2010 Tour de France.

Scarponi was due to lead Astana at this year’s Giro d’Italia, following injury to Aru, having finished in the top four on four occasions in all and also helped support Nibali to victory last time out.

He is also a previous winner of Tirreno-Adriatico, the Volta a Catalunya and Giro del Trentino, with last week’s opening stage win at the Tour of the Alps taking him to 19 pro wins in all.

Confirming the news, an Astana team statement read: “We left a great champion and a special guy, always smiling in every situation; he was a real milestone and a landmark for everyone in the Astana Pro Team.

“The Astana Pro Team clings to Michele’s family in this incredibly painful moment of sorrow and mourning.”

Oggi non cercavo la vittoria ad ogni costo, ma credimi, è venuto tutto semplice Amico mio!Questa vittoria è per Giacomo e Tommi! #CiaoScarpa pic.twitter.com/h7rprCD4T0

— Vincenzo Nibali (@vincenzonibali) April 23, 2017

Tragedia infinita. Non esistono parole. Riposa in pace Amico mio.

— Fabio Aru (@FabioAru1) April 22, 2017

Ciao Scarpa. pic.twitter.com/QZ4tPxCu8Z

— Filippo Pozzato (@PippoPozzato) April 22, 2017

Ancora non riesco a crederci, sto provando un dolore immenso!! Riposa in pace amico mio!! Sarai sempre nei nostri cuori Scarpa!!! pic.twitter.com/62OuVBOX7U

— Diego Ulissi ★★★ (@DiegoUlissi) April 22, 2017

Such terrible news to read this morning. RIP @MicheleScarponi

— Ben Swift (@swiftybswift) April 22, 2017

Non ci sono parole, ma solo una grande sensazione di vuoto oggi. Il pensiero va alla famiglia di Michele Scarponi.

— Elisa Longo Borghini (@ElisaLongoB) April 22, 2017

It’s too horrible to be true… what a tragedy!!! It’s a big lost for cycling. A big hug to all family and friends.
RIP @MicheleScarponi :'( https://t.co/6OhO6vAY9F

— Rui Costa (@RuiCostaCyclist) April 22, 2017

News like this hits you when you don’t see it coming. Life can be over so soon & unexpected. It’s shocking. Rest in peace Michele! https://t.co/mRgNdlU8RI

— Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel) April 22, 2017