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Cyclist Gino Mäder, 26, dies after a high-speed crash in the Swiss Alps

Bill Chappell

Team Bahrain cyclist Gino Mäder of Switzerland died after suffering a terrible crash in the Tour de Suisse. He's seen here at the 2021 Giro d'Italia road race, wearing the blue jersey signifying the best climber. Dario Belingheri/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Team Bahrain cyclist Gino Mäder of Switzerland died after suffering a terrible crash in the Tour de Suisse. He's seen here at the 2021 Giro d'Italia road race, wearing the blue jersey signifying the best climber.

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died Friday, one day after suffering a terrible crash during a mountain descent in stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse. Both Mäder and another racer, Magnus Sheffield of the U.S., were taken to the hospital after they were hurled into a ravine in the Swiss Alps.

Mäder, 26, crashed during the "queen stage" of the race — the label given to a multistage road race's most challenging and grueling days, which usually involve multiple ascents and test even the strongest riders.

A Pro Cyclist Rode An Unofficial, Solo Tour De France And Beat The Pack

After reaching the Albula Pass at a height just under 7,600 feet, Mäder and other riders faced a roughly 10-kilometer descent , racing down to the stage's finish line. In that segment, a motorcycle camera unit following the race leader clocked speeds of around 100 kph (62 mph).

It's not known precisely what led to the crash; TV broadcasts of the race didn't seem to catch the moment that sent the two riders off the road. "The circumstances of the accident are being clarified," race organizers said on Thursday.

After Mäder's death, the Graubünden cantonal police said on Friday that it is investigating the crash, along with the public prosecutor's office. The police issued a call for witnesses to come forward, particularly if they have video evidence.

The crash came in a high-speed portion of the course

During the descent, the two riders "crashed at very high speed," race organizers said. Another rider, Roland Thalmann, described the scene.

"After a long curve, two bikes were lying on the side of the road, which didn't look nice," Thalmann said, according to Cycling News . "When I looked back, I saw that two riders were quite far down."

Paint outlines of what look to be two tire tracks leading off the road at the curve where Swiss rider Gino Mäder fell during a high-speed descent of the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse. Mäder, 26, died from injuries he sustained when he plunged into a ravine. Arnd Wiegmann/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Paint outlines of what look to be two tire tracks leading off the road at the curve where Swiss rider Gino Mäder fell during a high-speed descent of the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse. Mäder, 26, died from injuries he sustained when he plunged into a ravine.

"The race doctor was on the scene of the accident within two minutes," organizers said. Dr. Roland Kretsch found Sheffield, 21, responsive, with a concussion and bruises. Mäder was in far worse condition in a creek, as he "lay motionless in the water," according to organizers.

The medical team was able to resuscitate Mäder, and he was airlifted to a hospital. Kretsch later told SRF that the cyclists were found far below the roadway, and that Mäder had injuries to his head area.

Mäder's death stuns the cycling world

"Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Mäder's cycling squad, Team Bahrain Victorious, said as it announced his death.

"Today and every day, we ride for you, Gino," the team said.

An aerial photo from June 16, 2023, shows the curve where Swiss rider Gino Mäder crashed during a high-speed descent in the Tour de Suisse. Arnd Wiegmann/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

An aerial photo from June 16, 2023, shows the curve where Swiss rider Gino Mäder crashed during a high-speed descent in the Tour de Suisse.

After the tragic news emerged, cyclists rode an extremely shortened sixth stage of the Tour de Swiss as a memorial to Mäder, with organizers saying the peloton, or main pack of cyclists, would ride only the final 20 kilometers of the planned course under "neutralized" conditions, meaning competition is suspended.

At Friday's finish line, a large crowd turned out to applaud Mäder's six teammates as they crossed the finish line together.

🇨🇭 #Tourdesuisse In honour of Gino! @tds #RideAsOne pic.twitter.com/3jX6WD4BFq — Team Bahrain Victorious (@BHRVictorious) June 16, 2023

The new plan followed another last-minute change, after an avalanche blocked Friday's planned route in the mountains.

In 2021, Mäder won the best young cyclist's white jersey at La Vuelta, Spain's 21-stage race. He took fifth place in that race — the same spot he earned earlier this year, in the eight-day Paris-Nice race.

The Tour de Suisse isn't one of road cycling's three "Grand Tour" races, but with eight stages and plenty of high mountains, it's widely seen as a key tune-up for the Tour de France in July.

Race course layout is put under scrutiny

After Thursday's crash, Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, the reigning world champion, criticized the race course's layout, as he sent his hopes for recovery to riders who crashed.

I hope all the guys that were involved in a crash are okay!! 🙏🏻❤️ I hope that the final of today's stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/UZm6sRwiez — Remco Evenepoel (@EvenepoelRemco) June 15, 2023

"While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn't a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent," Evenepoel said . "As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain."

Evenepoel posted that message on Thursday, before news of Mäder's death emerged.

In many stage races with famously imposing mountains, organizers place the finish line at the very top of the mountain, or just beyond it.

Tour De France Officials Search For Spectator Who Caused Massive Crash

Thursday's stage included three mountain passes, with the first (Furka) and last (Albula) rated as "Hors Catégorie" — a designation reserved for ultra-steep climbs that are beyond cycling's normal 5-level categorization for mountains.

"We will see the best climbers in action again, but the last kilometers will also require a large dose of courage and honed descent skills," the race's official guide stated . It promised that the closing kilometers, descending from the Albula Pass to the mountain village of La Punt, "will be something to see."

Mäder died exactly 75 years after the only other death in the Tour de Suisse, which came when Richard Depoorter crashed in a dim tunnel and was run over by an escort vehicle in 1948, according to Swiss broadcaster RSF .

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Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder dies after falling down a ravine in the Tour de Suisse

Gino Mader waits for the start of the 7th stage of the Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race, in Notaresco, Italy, on May 14, 2021. Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died Friday, June 16, 2023 one day after suffering injuries when he crashed off the road down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

Switzerland’s Gino Mader, left, receives medical attention after crashing as Magnus Sheffield of the United States, right, is helped away, during the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse, Tour of Switzerland cycling race, in Punt, Thursday, June 15, 2023. Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse. The Bahrain-Victorious team announced the news. The 26-year-old Mader crashed on a fast downhill road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage into La Punt. (SWpix/Zac Williams/Keystone via AP)

FILE - Switzerland’s Gino Mader celebrates after winning the sixth stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling race, from Grotte di Frasassi to Ascoli Piceno Thursday, May 13, 2021. Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died Friday, June 16, 2023 one day after suffering injuries when he crashed off the road down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP, File)

From left, Stefan Bissegger from Switzerland of EF Education-Easy Post, Silvan Dillier from Switzerland of Alpecin-Deceuninck and Stefan Kueng from Switzerland of Groupama-FDJ, mourn their dead colleague Gino Maeder from Switzerland, who crashed the day before, at the 86th Tour de Suisse UCI World Tour cycling race, in Chur, Switzerland, Friday, June 16, 2023. (Gian Ehrenzelle/Keystone via AP)

Event director Olivier Senn, center left, holds a minute of silence in honour of Gino Maeder from Switzerland of Bahrain-Victorious, who died following his crash the day before, at the 86th Tour de Suisse UCI World Tour cycling race, in Chur, Switzerland, Friday, June 16, 2023. (Gian Ehrenzelle/Keystone via AP)

The cyclists of Bahrain-Victorious team ride in honour of Gino Maeder, after a 20 kilometers ride from Tuelersee to Oberwil-Lieli named “Gino Memorial Ride” which took place instead of the 6th stage of the Tour De Suisse, tour of Switzerland cycling race, on Friday, June 16, 2023 in Chur, Switzerland. Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse. The Bahrain-Victorious team announced the news. The 26-year-old Mader crashed on a fast downhill road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage into La Punt. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)

FILE - Gino Mader of Switzerland rides during a time trial on the 21st and last stage of the Vuelta Cycling race in Santiago, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died Friday, June 16, 2023 one day after suffering injuries when he crashed off the road down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira, File)

The pack climbs the Furka pass during the fifth stage, a 211 km race from Fiesch to La Punt, of the 86th Tour de Suisse UCI World Tour cycling race in Goms, Switzerland, Thursday, June 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

From left, Stefan Bissegger from Switzerland of EF Education-Easy Post, Silvan Dillier from Switzerland of Alpecin-Deceuninck Stefan Kueng from Switzerland of Groupama-FDJ, and Raphael Meyer, CEO of Tudor Pro Cycling team, mourn their dead colleague Gino Maeder from Switzerland, who crashed the day before, at the 86th Tour de Suisse UCI World Tour cycling race, in Chur, Switzerland, Friday, June 16, 2023. (Gian Ehrenzelle/Keystone via AP)

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GENEVA (AP) — Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died Friday, one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse.

The 26-year-old Mäder crashed after a left-hand turn on a fast downhill road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage into La Punt. His fall of about 30 meters was stopped by a stream.

“Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained,” his Bahrain-Victorious team said in a statement. “Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff at Chur hospital, Gino couldn’t make it through this, his final and biggest challenge, and at 11:30 a.m. we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.”

Medical staff who reached Mäder found him motionless in the water, race organizers said Thursday. CPR was performed on him before he was airlifted to the hospital.

“Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Bahrain-Victorious said.

Police in the Swiss canton of Graubünden said a joint investigation with prosecutors wanted to hear from witnesses who might have seen and filmed the incident.

The Tour de Suisse is a preparation race for next month’s Tour de France.

Mäder’s death was announced about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage in the eight-day race. The start was delayed and riders gathered in a silent tribute before the stage was canceled.

The peloton rode together in tribute to Mäder for the final 30 kilometers (18 miles) of Friday’s scheduled route. The race should resume Saturday.

“Devastated by the news,” said world champion Remco Evenepoel, who is in fourth place in the race standings. “My heart and strength is with Gino’s family, friends, teammates.”

Evenepoel earlier criticized Thursday’s stage after finishing the day in 10th place.

“While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn’t a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent,” Evenepoel wrote on his Twitter account. “As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain.”

A second rider also crashed at the same spot. Magnus Sheffield of the United States sustained a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital.

In previous incidents, Belgian rider Wouter Weylandt was killed in a crash on a descent at the Giro d’Italia in May 2011. Another Belgian rider, Antoine Demoitié, died after crashing at the one-day Gent-Wevelgem race in March 2016.

Mäder was one of Switzerland’s best young riders. He won a stage at the 2021 Giro and placed fifth overall in the Spanish Vuelta that year. He also was fifth in the Paris-Nice stage race in March.

“We are heartbroken,” Tour de Suisse organizers said in a statement. “Gino, you’ve been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person. Always smiling and making people happy around you.”

Mäder was asked on Sunday by a reporter at the race finish what would make him happy at the end of the week-long race. “If I’m still healthy and I enjoy my home race, maybe have some success with the team,” Mäder had said.

Team manager Milan Erzen praised the rider, saying his “talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all.”

“Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist,” Erzen said, “but a great person off the bike.”

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Cyclist Dies After Mountain Crash in Tour de Suisse

Gino Mäder of Switzerland and another rider tumbled into a ravine during the fourth stage on Thursday. Mäder, 26, died Friday morning.

By Victor Mather

UPDATE: Tour de Suisse organizers decided to hold the race’s final two stages this weekend, but three teams, including the Bahrain-Victorious squad the employed Gino Mäder, announced they had dropped out .

A Swiss bicycle racer who crashed on a fast descent during the Tour de Suisse died on Friday, one day after he and another competitor tumbled into a ravine in the Swiss Alps.

The rider, Gino Mäder of Switzerland, was transported to the hospital after the crash on Thursday but died of his injuries on Friday morning, his team, Bahrain-Victorious, said in a statement .

Friday’s stage was canceled after race organizers informed the other teams and the race’s other riders of the death of Mäder, 26, about 30 minutes before it had been scheduled to start. The tour, an important prep race for next month’s Tour de France, is scheduled to continue through Sunday.

Some riders were in tears after hearing the news with the rest of the competitors. Race organizers said the peloton would ride together for part of Friday’s scheduled route in tribute to Mäder. The race is expected to resume on Saturday.

Mäder crashed along with an American rider, Magnus Sheffield, on Stage 5 of the weeklong race, a day that ends with a final descent down the Albula Pass, in the Swiss Alps. The final section where the crash took place, down an unprotected mountain road with mountains to its left and a steep drop-off just beyond its right edge, was largely empty when the riders passed through it.

Mäder and Sheffield were treated where they came to rest, near a set of drainage pipes down a sharp slope. Sheffield, who was reported to have sustained a concussion and cuts and bruises, appeared to be able to walk back up the hill with assistance. Mäder was more seriously injured. After initial treatment, he was evacuated from the scene in a helicopter.

“Gino Mäder lay motionless in the water,” race organizers said in a statement after the crash. “He was immediately resuscitated and then transported to Chur hospital by air ambulance.”

Mäder and Sheffield apparently fell off their bikes and then tumbled down an embankment, according to another rider in the race.

“After a long curve, two bikes were lying on the side of the road, which didn’t look nice,” the cyclist Roland Thalmann told the Swiss broadcaster SRF . “When I looked back, I saw that two riders were quite far down.”

Another rider suggested the crash, and the area where it occurred, should be a warning to race organizers.

“I hope that the final of today’s stage is food for thought for both cycling organizers as well as ourselves as riders,” the reigning world champion Remco Evenepoel said on Twitter after the crash but before news of Mäder’s death became public. “It wasn’t a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent. As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain.” Evenepoel is in fourth place in the Tour de Suisse.

Mäder’s career highlights were a fifth-place finish in the Vuelta a España and a stage win in the Giro d’Italia in 2021. This season he was fifth in the Paris-Nice race behind the two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar.

Serious injury and deaths of professional cyclists in accidents are not uncommon, although they mostly occur in collisions with cars while training. In races, the danger is greatest on mountain descents, on which riders can reach speeds of 60 miles an hour.

The Italian rider Fabio Casartelli, a teammate of Lance Armstrong, died after a crash on a descent at the 1995 Tour de France.

Victor Mather covers every sport for The Times. More about Victor Mather

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Gino Mäder, Swiss road cyclist, dies at age of 26 after crash at Tour de Suisse

• Mäder taken to hospital on Thursday after crash on descent
• Bahrain-Victorious pay tribute to ‘shining light of our team’

The Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder, a former Giro d’Italia stage winner , has died at the age of 26 after crashing into a ravine at the Tour de Suisse on Thursday.

The Bahrain Victorious rider was airlifted to a hospital in Chur after being resuscitated by medical staff, having left the road on the Albula Pass as the race descended to La Punt during the fifth stage. The American Magnus Sheffield, of Ineos Grenadiers, was also involved and taken to hospital with concussion.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of Gino Mäder,” a statement from Bahrain Victorious said on Friday. “On Friday 16 June, following a very serious crash during stage five of the Tour de Suisse, Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained. Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino’s family and loved ones.

“Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff at Chur hospital, Gino couldn’t make it through this, his final and biggest challenge, and at 11.30am we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.”

Friday’s stage six was cancelled, with riders completing a 20km neutralised route in memory of Mäder. Fans at the roadside held up flowers as six Bahrain Victorious riders rode in formation, crossing the finish line in Oberwil-Lieli together, as the peloton followed behind and the crowd applauded.

“We’re heartbroken,” the race director, Olivier Senn, said before the ceremonial ride. “The whole organisation, the teams, the riders. It’s just devastating what happened. It’s really hard to put into words. We just stood together with all the teams and riders in memory of Gino.

“Gino was a fantastic rider and an excellent human,” Senn added. “He was really a good person and doesn’t deserve to leave the world like this. Today it’s about him, and no one else.”

Bahrain Victorious’s managing director, Milan Erzen, said: “We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist … His talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all … Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist, but a great person off the bike.”

Mäder won stage six of the 2021 Giro after emerging on top following a breakaway on the 160km stage from Grote di Frasassi to San Giacomo.

On Thursday evening the world champion, Remco Evenepoel of Soudal Quick-Step, criticised the Tour de Swiss race organisers’ choice of route, while urging fellow riders to exercise caution. “I hope that the final of today’s stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders,” Evenepoel wrote on Twitter.

“While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn’t a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent. As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain.”

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Gino Mäder, 26, Dies After a Crash in Stage Five of the Tour de Suisse

A tragic day in cycling, felt around the world.

The Bahrain Victorious team’s Gino Mäder has died following a crash in stage five of the Tour de Suisse. The crash, which happened yesterday, occurred when Mäder, 26, was descending the Albula Pass at high speeds. He went off the road and into a ravine. He was found unresponsive and resuscitated before being airlifted to the hospital. American Ineos Grenadiers rider Magnus Sheffield was also involved in the crash and was taken to the hospital for bruising and a concussion.

On Thursday, world champion Remco Evenepoel criticized the decision to compete on such a notoriously dangerous stretch of road. The Belgian took to Twitter to write, “While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn't a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent.”

Bahrain Victorious released a statement early Friday saying, “Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff at Chur hospital, Gino couldn’t make it through this, his final and biggest challenge, and at 11:30am we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.”

“Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the whole cycling community. His talent, dedication, and passion for the sport has inspired us all.”

Mäder was especially excited about the Tour de Suisse because he would get to ride on his home roads. He was in his fifth year as a pro. In 2019, he finished fifth at the Vuelta a España earning the young riders’ jersey. He also earned stage wins at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de Suisse, and the Tour de Romandie.

Velo reports that Mäder was also known for his dedication to raising money for environmental charities. Last year, he donated 1 Swiss Franc to an environmental charity for every rider he beat throughout the season, while he donated over €4,000 in 2021 after his Vuelta performance.

Tour de Suisse also said in a statement that they were “heartbroken,” and paying tribute to an “excellent rider” and “wonderful person.” The UCI called Mäder a “promising young rider who was destined to be part of important chapters of our sport.”

When news of Mäder’s death was announced, the Tour de Suisse immediately neutralized today’s stage. At the wishes of the family, they asked that the route be ridden together in memory of Mäder. The tour said, “The race will be neutralized today and all the riders will form a cortege in memory of Gino Mäder as they ride to the finish line.”

Bicycling’s condolences are with Mäder’s family, friends, and teammates.

Micah Ling is a freelance writer who lives in the mountains of Colorado. She splits her free time between mountain biking and trail running.

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Gino mäder, olympic cyclist from switzerland, dies after tour de suisse crash.

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VILLARS-SUR-OLLON, SWITZERLAND - MAY 01: Gino Mader of Switzerland and Team Bahrain Victorious takes the pose for a picture after press conference after the 75th Tour De Romandie 2022 - Stage 5 on May 1, 2022 in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Basile Barbey/Getty Images,)

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Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died Friday, one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse, the Bahrain-Victorious team said.

The 26-year-old Mäder crashed on a fast downhill road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage into La Punt.

“Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained,” the team said in a statement. “Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff at Chur hospital, Gino couldn’t make it through this, his final and biggest challenge, and at 11:30 a.m. we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.”

Medical staff who reached Mäder found him motionless in water. They performed CPR before he was airlifted to the hospital.

“Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Bahrain-Victorious said.

The Tour de Suisse is a preparation race ahead of next month’s Tour de France.

Mäder’s death was announced about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage in the eight-day race. The start was delayed and riders gathered in a silent tribute.

The route for Thursday’s stage was later criticized by world champion Remco Evenepoel , who finished 10th and is fourth in the overall standings.

“While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn’t a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent,” Evenepoel wrote on his Twitter account. “As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain.”

A second rider also crashed at the same spot. Magnus Sheffield of the United States sustained a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital.

Mäder was one of Switzerland’s best young riders. He won a stage at the 2021 Giro d’Italia and placed fifth overall in the Spanish Vuelta that year after placing 74th in the Olympic road race. He also was fifth in the Paris-Nice stage race in March.

“We are heartbroken,” Tour de Suisse organizers said in a statement. “Gino, you’ve been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person. Always smiling and making people happy around you.”

Mäder was asked on Sunday at the race finish by a reporter what would make him happy at the end of the week-long race.

“If I’m still healthy and I enjoy my home race, maybe have some success with the team,” Mäder had said.

Team manager Milan Erzen praised the rider, saying his “talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all.”

“Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist,” Erzen said, “but a great person off the bike.”

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Gino Mäder dies after Tour de Suisse crash

Bahrain Victorious team mourns loss of 'an extremely talented cyclist and a great person'

Gino Mäder has died following a crash on the descent of the Albulapass on stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse. The news was announced by the Bahrain Victorious team on Friday.

Mäder, 26, was airlifted to hospital after the crash with serious injuries close to the finish town of La Punt on Thursday afternoon.

Doctors fought to save his life overnight, but his death was announced by the team shortly after midday on Friday.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of Gino Mäder,” read a statement from the Bahrain Victorious team.

“On Friday 16th June, following a very serious crash during stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse, Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained.

“Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The race organisation had issued a press statement after the crash on stage 5, saying it had taken place at kilometre 197 on the descent of the Albula Pass. The crash also involved American Ineos Grenadiers rider Magnus Sheffield, who was also taken to hospital with concussion.

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The team added that following the high-speed incident, Mäder was resuscitated at the scene by medical staff, who also performed CPR.

“Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff at Chur hospital, Gino couldn’t make it through this, his final and biggest challenge, and at 11:30am we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team,” read the Bahrain statement.

“Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the whole cycling community. His talent, dedication, and passion for the sport has inspired us all.”

Mader’s professional career began in 2019 with Dimension Data, before joining Bahrain in 2021. The Swiss rider took stage wins in the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de Suisse and Tour de Romandie, as well as the best young rider classification and a fifth place overall at the 2021 Vuelta a España.

Bahrain Victorious managing director Milan Erzen highlighted Mäder's human qualities as well as his talent as a rider.

“We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mäder,” Erzen said. “His talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all. Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist, but a great person off the bike.”

Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for Cyclingnews , he has also written for The Independent ,  The Guardian ,  ProCycling , The Express and Reuters .

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Gino Mader: Cyclist, 26, dies after crashing into ravine during Tour de Suisse

Gino Mader's "talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all", his team boss Milan Erzen said, adding: "Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist, but a great person off the bike."

Friday 16 June 2023 15:46, UK

A professional cyclist has died after crashing during the Tour de Suisse - as a world champion criticised the decision to "let us finish down this dangerous decent".

Gino Mader, 26, fell down a ravine as he approached the end of Thursday's mountainous fifth stage.

The Swiss rider crashed on a fast downhill road and medical staff performed CPR at the scene before he was airlifted to Chur hospital, where he later died from severe injuries.

"Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff", he "couldn't make it through this, his final and biggest challenge", his team Bahrain Victorious said on Friday.

"Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."

A second rider, Magnus Sheffield, also crashed at the same spot. The American suffered a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital.

Thursday's route has been criticised by Belgium's world champion Remco Evenepoel, who finished 10th in stage five and is fourth in the overall standings.

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"While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn't a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent," Evenepoel wrote on Twitter.

"As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain."

'Extremely talented cyclist'

Bahrain Victorious's managing director Milan Erzen said: "We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mader. His talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all.

"Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist, but a great person off the bike."

Teams and riders have been reacting to the news of Mader's death.

"I can't believe what I'm reading. Such a sad sad day. Thoughts with everyone who knew and loved Gino," Geraint Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, said on Twitter.

"No words. RIP Gino. My thoughts are with your family and friends," added Ineos Grenadiers racer Michal Kwiatkowski.

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The Tour de Suisse is a preparation race ahead of next month's Tour de France.

Mader's death was announced about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage in the eight-day race. The start was delayed.

Mader won a stage of the 2021 Giro d'Italia, and went on to finish fifth overall that same year at the Vuelta a Espana. Earlier this year, he was fifth at Paris-Nice.

Gino Mäder dies after Tour de Suisse crash, aged 26

'His talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all,' says Bahrain Victorious boss

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Bahrain Victorious rider Gino Mäder has died following a high-speed crash at the Tour de Suisse . 

The 26-year-old was found unresponsive after crashing into a ravine on the descent of the Albula Pass during Thursday’s stage five. He was resuscitated at the scene and airlifted to hospital, where he later passed away.

In a statement released on Friday morning, Mäder’s Bahrain Victorious team wrote: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of Gino Mäder. On Friday 16th June, following a very serious crash during stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse, Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained. 

“Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

“Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff at Chur hospital, Gino couldn’t make it through this, his final and biggest challenge, and at 11:30am we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.

“Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the whole cycling community. His talent, dedication, and passion for the sport has inspired us all.” 

🙏🏻 Gino, thank you for the light, the joy, and the laughs you brought us all, we will miss you as a rider and as a person.❤️ Today and every day, we ride for you, Gino.🔗 https://t.co/CSx5BsWfRz pic.twitter.com/caBmfmWwyg June 16, 2023

Bahrain Victorious managing director Milan Erzen said that Mäder was an "inspiration", and that the team will race in his honour. 

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“His talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all,” Erzen said. “Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist, but a great person off the bike. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. 

“Bahrain Victorious will race in his honour, keeping his memory on every road we race. We are determined to show the spirit and passion Gino displayed, and he will always remain an integral part of our team.”

Born in Flawil, Switzerland on 4 January 1997, Mäder turned professional as a cyclist in 2019 with Team Dimension Data. He joined Bahrain Victorious in 2021, and went on to take a maiden Grand Tour stage victory the same year, winning stage six of the Giro d'Italia. 

Passionate about the environment, Mäder raised €4,529 for a climate change charity during the 2021 Vuelta a España, pledging €1 for each rider he finished ahead of on every stage. He finished fifth overall at the race, and won the white jersey as the highest-placed young rider. 

Following the news of the rider's death, the UCI tweeted: "The UCI is devastated to learn of the death of professional cyclist, Gino Mäder. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone connected with Gino who was a rising star within the professional ranks of cycling."

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Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is the host of The TT Podcast , which covers both the men's and women's pelotons and has featured a number of prominent British riders. 

An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. 

He's also fluent in French and Spanish and holds a master's degree in International Journalism. 

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