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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 .

Watch CBS News

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

June 16, 2023 / 9:45 AM EDT / CBS/AP

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died Friday, his team said, a day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse, a preparation race ahead of next month's Tour de France . Mäder, 26, 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 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 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.

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.

Race organizers said the peloton would ride together in tribute to Mäder for the final 30 kilometers (18 miles) of Friday's scheduled route. The race should resume Saturday.

Team manager Milan Erzen said Bahrain-Victorious will race in his honor.

"We are determined to show the spirit and passion Gino displayed, and he will always remain an integral part of our team," Erzen said.

The manager 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."

"Devastated by the news," world champion Remco Evenepoel, who is in fourth place in the race standings, wrote on his Twitter account . "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 . "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 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 d'Italia 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 at the end of the first stage by a reporter what would make him happy at the end of the weeklong race.

"If I'm still healthy and I enjoy my home race, maybe have some success with the team," Mäder said.

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Three Teams Drop Out of Tour de Suisse After Cyclist’s Death

Gino Mäder’s Bahrain-Victorious squad and two other teams withdrew on Saturday, but organizers said they would complete the multistage race this weekend.

By Andrew Das

The Tour de Suisse cycling race resumed its multistage competition on Saturday, one day after a rider died from the injuries that he sustained in a crash during a high-speed mountain descent.

The rider, Gino Mäder, was a member of the Bahrain-Victorious team, which announced on Saturday morning that it was withdrawing from the race. Two other teams, Tudor Pro and Intermarché-Circus-Wanty , also said they had decided to leave the race.

The Bahrain-Victorious team’s riders, as well as the rest of the competitors, were informed of Mäder’s death on Friday morning — a day after he went off the course and tumbled down a steep ravine. The riders participated in a shortened memorial ride on Friday that replaced the day’s stage, which was called off.

But with the race, an important tuneup for the Tour de France next month, set to return for its final two competitive stages this weekend, Bahrain-Victorious confirmed on social media on Saturday morning that its team would not take part.

“Following the tragic loss of Gino Mäder,” the team said in a post on Twitter, “Team Bahrain Victorious has taken the decision to withdraw from Tour de Suisse.”

Two other teams quickly followed suit. Both cited the well-being of their riders in their decisions to drop out. “Under these difficult circumstances we feel it is the human way to respect the feelings of our riders and pay respect to Gino,” Tudor Pro’s statement said.

Race officials said late Friday that they had made the decision to continue the race in consultation with the family of Mäder, one of Switzerland’s best young riders. A four-stage women’s event began on Saturday as planned.

“After consultation with all the people involved, we as the management stand united behind this decision and are trying to hold the last two stages of the men’s race in an appropriate setting,” the tour’s race director, Olivier Senn, said in a statement.

“Today was the worst day of my life,” Senn added in the statement. “But tomorrow is a new day, and that’s what we have to take care of as an organization.”

The police are investigating the crash, and officials were reported to be interested in hearing from any witnesses who might have seen and filmed the episode.

Mäder crashed along with an American rider, Magnus Sheffield, on Thursday near the end of the fifth stage of the weeklong race, which ends with a final descent down the Albula Pass. The final section where the crash occurred, just after a sweeping downhill curve on an unprotected 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.

Photographs of the area of the crash showed what appeared to be two sets of tire tracks leading to the edge of a sharp drop above the site where Mäder and Sheffield fell.

Mäder and Sheffield were treated where they came to rest, near a set of drainage pipes down a long 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. Race officials said Mäder was revived at the scene after being discovered “motionless in the water.” After initial treatment, he was evacuated from the scene in a helicopter.

At least one rider, the reigning world champion Remco Evenepoel, suggested that the course did not have to be so treacherous.

“I hope that the final of today’s stage is food for thought for both cycling organizers as well as ourselves as riders,” Evenepoel said on Twitter after the crash but before the severity of Mäder’s condition was known. “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.”

Andrew Das joined The Times in 2006. An assistant editor in Sports, he helps direct coverage of soccer, the Olympics and international sports. More about Andrew Das

Cyclist Gino Mäder dies after ravine crash during Tour de Suisse

Topic: Sport

Gino Mäder of Switzerland and Team Bahrain Victorious in the chase group during the 86th Tour de Suisse 2023, Stage 4. ( Getty Images: Dario Belingheri )

Swiss rider Gino Mäder has died after crashing into a ravine on the descent towards the finish line in Thursday's stage five of the Tour de Suisse, his team Bahrain Victorious said on Friday.

Key points:

• The crash took place on the descent towards La Punt where Gino Mäder fell into a ravine
• He was found unresponsive and resuscitated before being air-lifted to the hospital
• Team managing director Milan Erzen said the team would continue the race in honour of Mäder

"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 am we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team," the team said.

Mäder, 26, crashed on the descent towards La Punt and fell into a ravine where he was found unresponsive by the race doctor and resuscitated before being air-lifted to hospital.

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 a statement, team managing director Milan Erzen said: "We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mäder. 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. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time."

Mr Erzen said the team would continue in the race in honour of Mäder.

"We are determined to show the spirit and passion Gino displayed, and he will always remain an integral part of our team," he said.

Mäder joined the Bahrain Victorious team in 2021 and won a stage of the Giro d'Italia that year. He also won the young rider classification at the 2021 Vuelta a Espana.

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 managing director Milan Erzen said the team would continue in the race in honour of Mäder. ( Getty Images: Dario Belingheri  )

A statement from the professional riders' association CPA, read: "Our hearts bleed at this news. Condolences to his family, the team and the many friends who loved him.

"Like all of us. RIP Gino."

Stage five of the Tour de Suisse had raised some eyebrows in the peloton because of its fast descent near the finish.

After the accident, Belgium's world champion Remco Evenepoel said on Twitter: "I hope that the final of today's stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders. While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn't a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent."

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Cyclist Gino Mäder dies after Tour de Suisse crash

Cyclist Gino Mäder has died from injuries he suffered during a crash in Thursday’s Stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse, his cycling team announced 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,” Bahrain Victorious, Mäder’s cycling team, said in a statement.

The high-speed crash took place on a turn through the Albula Pass on the final descent of Thursday’s stage, a mountainous 131-mile journey from Fiesch to La Punt in southern Switzerland. After Mäder, 26, crashed into American rider Magnus Sheffield, who had gone off the road before the crash, he fell into a ravine. Found motionless in the water, Mäder was resuscitated at the scene by medical workers and airlifted to a hospital, where he passed away at 11:30 a.m. local time.

“We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mäder,” Bahrain Victorious Managing Director Milan Erzen said in the statement. “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. 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.”

The Tour de Suisse said in a social-media statement that the competitors will ride together and not challenge one another over the final 20 kilometers of Friday’s stage, which will start in Chur instead of La Punt as originally scheduled.

This is how we will always remember you❤️ With a big smile on your face! The peloton will ride the last 20 kilometres of today's course neutralised in honour of Gino Mäder. Expected finish in Oberwil-Lieli is 16.40h. . We ride for you Gino❤️ pic.twitter.com/B27VmMqpuz — Tour de Suisse (@tds) June 16, 2023

Mäder’s death was announced about 20 minutes before the start of Friday’s stage. Riders gathered for a moment of silence before the stage, which was delayed.

Mäder, from Switzerland, had been with Bahrain Victorious since 2021 and had previously won stages in the Giro d’Italia and Tour de Suisse. He finished fifth in the 2021 Vuelta a España.

“The cycling community has today lost a promising young rider who was destined to be part of important chapters of our sport,” the International Cycling Union said in a statement. “The UCI is deeply shocked and would like to express its sincere condolences to Gino Mäder’s family, friends and team.”

Tour de Suisse organizers said Sheffield suffered bruises and a concussion and was taken to a hospital.

Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel, the 2022 Vuelta a España winner, criticized race organizers for putting such a dangerous descent so close to the stage’s finish line and said the stage should have ended before the descent. He said on Twitter that he hopes “the final of today’s stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders.

“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.”

Cyclist Gino Mäder dies after crashing down ravine during Tour de Suisse race

A Swiss cyclist died Friday following a crash down a ravine during the Tour de Suisse race.

Gino Mäder was 26 years old.

The crash happened during Stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse when Mader went down a ravine during a descent of the Albula Pass, where first responders found Mäder motionless in water. Mäder was resuscitated after CPR and was airlifted to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.

American cyclist Magnus Sheffield was also involved in the crash and was taken to hospital with a concussion.

"We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mäder," Bahrain-Victorious managing director Milan Erzen said in a statement . "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. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time."

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Mäder joined the Bahrain-Victorious team in 2021 and later that year, won a stage during the Giro d'Italia.

"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," Bahrain-Victorious said in a statement.

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Swiss Cyclist Gino Mäder Dies After High-Speed Crash at Tour de Suisse

• Author: Mike McDaniel

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died after a high-speed crash that occurred in the Tour de Suisse on Thursday. He was 26 years old. Bahrain Victorious, his cycling team, confirmed Mäder’s death in an official statement .

“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 crash itself occurred Thursday, when Mäder’s bike collided with Magnus Sheffield, a 21-year-old from the United States. The incident took place during stage 5 of the race on the descent of the Albula Pass, according to the BBC . Mäder fell into a ravine after being thrown from his bike and had to be resuscitated at the scene before being airlifted to a hospital in Chur, Switzerland.

At the time of the crash, both cyclists were traveling in excess of 60 miles per hour according to data from Sheffield’s Strava account, per the New York Post . Sheffield was treated at a local hospital for a concussion and bruising.

Friday’s stage 6 was canceled, according to a report from the BBC, but the riders planned to finish the final 18 miles together in Mäder’s honor.

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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.”

Swiss cyclist dies after fall into ravine during Tour de Suisse

Gino Mäder, 26, dies from injuries a day after crashing and falling down a ravine during the Tour de Suisse race.

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder has died after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse, according to his team Bahrain-Victorious.

The 26-year-old Mäder crashed on Thursday 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 on Friday.

“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 before 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.

‘Dangerous descent’

The route for Thursday’s stage was later criticised 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. As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain,” the Belgian cyclist said on his Twitter account.

American rider Magnus Sheffield also fell on the same descent from Albula, during the most difficult stage of the race with multiple climbs.

The Ineos-Grenadiers rider was hospitalised with “bruises and concussion,” organisers said.

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. He also was fifth in the Paris-Nice stage race in March.

“We are heartbroken,” Tour de Suisse organisers 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 by a reporter on Sunday 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.”

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.

Tour de Suisse to resume for final stages following death of Gino Mäder

Bahrain Victorious leave race, final 18.8km of stage 7 neutralised for GC

The organisers of the Tour de Suisse have announced that the race will resume for its final two days this weekend after Friday's stage to Oberwil-Lieli was neutralised as a tribute to the late Gino Mäder .

The Swiss rider died in hospital in Chur from injuries sustained in a crash on the descent of the Albulapass in the finale of stage 5 . Mäder's Bahrain Victorious teammates, who led the peloton across the finish line at the end of Friday’s memorial ride, have withdrawn from the remainder of the Tour de Suisse.

Although the peloton will cover the course of stage 7 in full, the timing for the general classification will be taken 18.8km from the finish, ahead of the descent off the category 3 climb of Ottenberg. The Tour de Suisse concludes on Sunday with an individual time trial in Abtwil.

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The third edition of the Tour de Suisse Women, which gets underway on Saturday, will go ahead as planned.

In a statement late on Friday evening, the Tour de Suisse management said they had consulted with Mäder's family as well as with riders, teams and race organisation staff before deciding to proceed with the event.

"After consultation with all the people involved, we as the management stand united behind this decision and are trying to hold the last two stages of the men's race in an appropriate setting," said Tour de Suisse director Olivier Senn.

The statement outlined that Saturday's stage would be raced in full, but that the timing for the overall classification would be taken before the final descent.

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"[Stage 7] will be held as a race. However, the timing for the overall classification takes place already 18.8 kilometres before the finish. The stage win will be decided on the finish line in Weinfelden," read the statement.

"The time trial on Sunday, June 18, 2023 will also be held in race mode. Accordingly, there will be an overall winner and a final classification of the 2023 Tour de Suisse."

Senn confirmed that the four-day Tour de Suisse Women would go ahead without any alterations to the planned schedule. "The women and all the teams deserve a Tour de Suisse Women," he said. "We are convinced that we can offer the women riders a professional and safe race."

Barry Ryan is Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author of The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation , published by Gill Books.

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