BMC owner Andy Rihs passes away, aged 75

Andy Rihs, the Swiss businessman behind the BMC and the BMC Racing Team, has sadly passed away, aged 75.

According to a statement from the BMC Team, Rihs died on Wednesday having endured Leukemia in recent times.

“Our grief is indescribable, but we will carry on his values,” the team said, adding that Rihs would be missed for his “generosity, his sense of humor, and his infectious laugh.

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

During his ownership of the BMC and since backing the team in 2009 Rihs enjoyed a Tour de France title in 2011 when Cadel Evans stormed to victory.

Rihs also played a part in backing Swiss football team Young Boys, who are on the cusp of scooping their first title in 32 years.