Cyclist Gino Mäder dies after falling down a ravine during Tour de Suisse

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder has died at the age of 26 as the result of injuries suffered in a crash at the Tour de Suisse, the Bahrain-Victorious team has announced.

Mäder was involved in a high-speed crash on the descent of the Albula Pass late on stage six of the race on Thursday along with American Magnus Sheffield.

Both riders fell into a ravine and Mäder was found “motionless in the water” according to a race statement.He was resuscitated by race doctors at the scene and airlifted to hospital in Chur, however Mäder lost his fight for his life on Friday morning.

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

“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.

“Following the high-speed incident which occurred on the final descent of Thursday’s stage, the 26-year-old was resuscitated at the scene by medical staff who also performed CPR, before being airlifted to hospital.

“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.”

World champion Remco Evenepoel, who is fourth place in the race standings, said he was "devastated by the news".

Criticising Thursday's stage after finishing the day in 10th place, the Belgian cyclist said: “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.”

A second rider, Magnus Sheffield, 21, of the United States, also crashed at the same spot, sustaining a concussion and bruises which required him stay overnight at a local hospital. Belgian rider Wouter Weylandt was killed in a crash on a descent at the Giro in May 2011. Another Belgian rider, while Antoine Demoitié, died after crashing at the one-day Gent-Wevelgem race in March 2016.

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,” he 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 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, who won a stage of the Giro d’Italia in 2021 and came second overall at the Tour de Romandie last year, was a hugely popular rider in the peloton and news of his death led to an outpouring of tributes.

Geraint Thomas wrote on Twitter: “I can’t believe what I’m reading. Such a sad sad day. Thoughts with everyone who knew and loved Gino.”

Former world champion Alejandro Valverde wrote: “There are no words. Terrible news. My support and love to his colleagues in @BHRVictorious as well as family and friends.”

Bahrain-Victorious managing director Milan Erzen said the team wanted to race on in Mäder’s honour.

“We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mäder,” he 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.

“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.”

Race organisers said a doctor was at the scene of the crash within two minutes of it happening. It occurred with 14 kmof the 211km stage from Fiesch to La Punt remaining.

After the incident, there was immediate criticism of a route that ended with a fast technical descent off the mountain to the finish line.

Former professional Adam Hansen, now president of the cyclists’ union the CPA, wrote on Twitter on Thursday night that such finishes were a “concern for riders” and said he has been working on a presentation to put to governing body the UCI and race organisers to better ensure rider safety.

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