In a devastating turn of events, Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder tragically passed away on Friday after a high-speed crash during the Tour de Suisse race. The 26-year-old athlete, riding for Bahrain-Victorious, was found unconscious and subsequently airlifted to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Milan Eržen, the managing director of Bahrain-Victorious, expressed profound sorrow, saying, “The loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mäder, has left us devastated. His talent, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm were a true inspiration to us all. Not only was he an incredibly skilled cyclist, but he was also an extraordinary individual off the bike. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
During the mountainous fifth stage leading to La Punt, Mäder and fellow rider Magnus Sheffield from the United States veered off the road in the same vicinity during a rapid descent. Medical personnel discovered Mäder motionless in water and immediately administered CPR, successfully reviving him before airlifting him to the hospital.
“The cycling community mourns the loss of a promising young rider who was destined to make his mark on our sport,” expressed the International Cycling Union (UCI) in a heartfelt statement. “The UCI is profoundly shocked and would like to extend its sincerest condolences to Gino Mäder’s family, friends, and team.”
Sheffield, who suffered a concussion and bruises, received medical treatment at a local hospital, as confirmed by race organizers.
Tragically, news of Mäder’s passing was announced just 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the Tour de Suisse’s sixth stage. The stage was subsequently canceled, and riders united in a solemn tribute to honor Mäder. The peloton, in a touching gesture, rode together for the final 18 miles of the originally planned route as a mark of respect. The race is expected to resume on Saturday.
The news deeply affected world champion Remco Evenepoel, who shared his heartfelt condolences, saying, “I am devastated by the news. My thoughts and strength are with Gino’s family, friends, and teammates.”
Evenepoel had previously voiced concerns about Thursday’s stage on Twitter, stating, “While it was entirely feasible to have a summit finish, it was not a wise decision to have us descend on this treacherous slope. As riders, we should also consider the risks we face when descending a mountain.”
Mäder joined Bahrain-Victorious in 2021 and achieved a stage victory in the Giro d’Italia that same year. Additionally, he secured the young rider classification title at the 2021 Vuelta a España.
Eržen affirmed that the team would continue to participate in the race in honor of Mäder, stating, “We are committed to embodying the spirit and passion that Gino demonstrated, and he will forever hold a special place within our team.”
