Cofidis rider Andrei Kivilev has died from injuries sustained in a crash in the second stage of the Paris-Nice race. The 29 year old Kazakh crashed 40km from the finish with two other riders, both relatively unhurt. Kivilev, who was best known for his fourth-place finish in the 2001 Tour de France, sustained a fractured skull and two broken ribs. He fell into a coma, was taken to St Etienne hospital and died on 10am Wednesday morning.

The Cofidis team are continuing in the race. Stage three of the race was neutralised, with all riders staying together for the duration of the stage.

More details from Ananova and Cyclingnews.com.