Swiss rider Gino Mäder has died after crashing right into a ravine on the descent in the direction of the end line in Thursday’s stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse, his crew Bahrain Victorious stated on Friday.
Key factors:
- The crash passed off on the descent in the direction of La Punt the place Gino Mäder fell right into a ravine
- He was discovered unresponsive and resuscitated earlier than being air-lifted to the hospital
- Staff managing director Milan Erzen stated the crew would proceed the race in honour of Mäder
“Regardless of the very best efforts of the exceptional employees at Chur hospital, Gino could not make it by way of this, his remaining and largest problem, and at 11:30 am we stated goodbye to one of many shining lights of our crew,” the crew stated.
Mäder, 26, crashed on the descent in the direction of La Punt and fell right into a ravine the place he was discovered unresponsive by the race physician and resuscitated earlier than being air-lifted to hospital.
A second rider additionally crashed on the identical spot. Magnus Sheffield of the USA sustained a concussion and bruises and was handled at an area hospital.
In a press release, crew managing director Milan Erzen stated: “We’re devastated by the lack of our distinctive bicycle owner, Gino Mäder. His expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm had been an inspiration to us all.
“Not solely was he a particularly proficient bicycle owner, however an incredible individual off the bike. We prolong our deepest condolences to his household and family members, and our ideas are with them throughout this troublesome time.”
Mr Erzen stated the crew would proceed within the race in honour of Mäder.
“We’re decided to indicate the spirit and fervour Gino displayed, and he’ll at all times stay an integral a part of our crew,” he stated.
Mäder joined the Bahrain Victorious crew in 2021 and gained a stage of the Giro d’Italia that 12 months. He additionally gained the younger rider classification on the 2021 Vuelta a Espana.
Mäder was requested on Sunday on the race end by a reporter what would make him comfortable on the finish of the week-long race.
“If I’m nonetheless wholesome and I get pleasure from my residence race, perhaps have some success with the crew,” Mäder had stated.
A press release from the skilled riders’ affiliation CPA, learn: “Our hearts bleed at this information. Condolences to his household, the crew and the various associates who cherished him.
“Like all of us. RIP Gino.”
Stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse had raised some eyebrows within the peloton due to its quick descent close to the end.
After the accident, Belgium’s world champion Remco Evenepoel stated on Twitter: “I hope that the ultimate of at this time’s stage is meals for thought for each biking organisers in addition to ourselves as riders. Whereas a summit end would have been completely potential, it wasn’t choice to allow us to end down this harmful descent.”
ABC/Wires