Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died on Friday after succumbing to injuries sustained during the Tour de Suisse on Thursday when he crashed on a steep downhill bend, causing him to tumble down a ravine, his racing team confirmed. He was 26 years old.
Bahrain Victorious issued a statement announcing Mäder’s death.
Sean Flynn from the UK and the DSM team, left, and Quinn Simmons from the United States and the Trek-Segafredo team are shocked by the death of Gino Mäder from Switzerland and the Victorious team from Bahrain. (Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
«It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of Gino Mäder,» said the racing group he said in a statement on Friday.
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«Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the entire cycling community. His talent, dedication and passion for the sport has inspired us all.»
Gino Mäder waits for the start of the seventh stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling race in Notaresco, Italy, on May 14, 2021. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)
According to the statement, Mäder was coming down the final descent during stage 5 when the «high-speed incident» occurred. He was revived before being airlifted to a hospital.
He was pronounced dead the next morning.
The Associated Press reported that Mäder crashed into a ravine after making a left turn. His fall of about 30 meters (almost 100 feet) was stopped by a stream.
Gino Mader of Switzerland, left, receives medical attention after crashing as Magnus Sheffield of the United States, right, is helped to get away, during the fifth stage of the Tour of Switzerland in Punt on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (SWpix/Zac Williams/Keystone via AP)
«We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional rider, Gino Mäder. His talent, dedication and enthusiasm were an inspiration to all of us. He was not only an extremely talented rider, but a great person off the bike,» said Milan CEO Erzen. he said in a statement provided by the team
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«We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. Bahrain Victorious will run in his honor, keeping his memory on every path we run. We are determined to show the spirit and passion.» . Gino showed up, and he will always remain an integral part of our team.»
The herd climbs the Furka Pass during the fifth stage of the 86 Tour de Suisse UCI World Tour cycling race in Goms, Switzerland on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Mäder’s death was announced some 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage of the eight-day race. The start was delayed and the riders gathered in a silent tribute before the stage was cancelled.
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The peloton rode together in tribute to Mäder the last 30 kilometers (18 miles) of the route scheduled for Friday. The race should resume on Saturday.
Associated Press contributed to this report.