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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

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

"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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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

Tour de Suisse: Gino Mader dies aged 26 after stage five crash

Published 16 June 2023

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Tour de Suisse: Leading riders come together to honour Gino Mader

Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died at the age of 26 after crashing on stage five of the Tour de Suisse.

The Team Bahrain Victorious rider was involved in a high-speed crash with American Magnus Sheffield, 21, on Thursday on the descent of the Albula Pass and fell into a ravine.

He was resuscitated at the scene before being airlifted to hospital in Chur, but passed away on Friday morning.

Bahrain Victorious said Mader was "one of the shining lights of our team".

Friday's stage six was cancelled but the peloton rode the final 20km of the route neutralised in honour of Mader.

His mother received condolences from several riders, who wore black armbands, with many consoling one another before, during and after the ride.

Heidi Mader is consoled by cyclist Remco Evenepoel following the death of her son Gino during the 2023 Tour de Suisse

Road race world champion Remco Evenepoel was among the riders to console Gino's mother

"Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the whole cycling community," Mader's team said.

"His talent, dedication and passion for the sport has inspired us all."

Team managing director Milan Erzen said: "Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist but a great person off the bike.

"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 last high-profile rider death in similar circumstances at World Tour level was in 2011, when Belgium's Wouter Weylandt crashed at the Giro d'Italia after descending at great speed and died soon afterwards from head injuries.

The UCI - cycling's world governing body - said Mader was a "rising star".

Tour de Suisse race director Olivier Senn said: "We're heartbroken, the whole organisation, the teams and the riders.

"It is devastating what happened, really hard to put into words. We just stood together with all the teams and riders in memory of Gino and that's all that counts for us at the moment.

"Gino was a fantastic rider and an excellent human, he was really a good person and he doesn't deserve to leave the world like this."

Ineos Grenadiers rider Sheffield was taken to hospital with a concussion and soft tissue damage.

Ineos said they were "heartbroken" by the news, adding: "Gino wasn't just a hugely talented bike rider and great competitor, he was also an incredible person and a friend to many of us.

"His absence will be felt by everyone in the peloton and throughout our sport."

Mader was a track cyclist before turning professional on the road in 2019 and joined Team Bahrain Victorious two years later.

In 2021, he won stage six of the Giro d'Italia and finished top of the young rider classification at the Vuelta a Espana.

After the conclusion of stage five, Soudal-Quickstep rider and road race world champion Remco Evenepoel expressed his concerns , external over the "dangerous descent" at the finish.

'Your smile will forever be in our hearts' - reaction

Following Mader's death, the Giro d'Italia said his "smile will forever be in our hearts", while UCI president David Lappartient said he was "deeply saddened" by the news, adding it was a "terrible blow" to the cycling community.

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

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

Thomas de Gendt - a five-time stage winner across the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana - said: "Again someone taken too soon. Feel sick reading this horrible news."

Former world champion Alejandro Valverde said "there are no words" while 2023 Giro d'Italia winner Primoz Roglic said he was "speechless".

'Mader's death must reopen debate into race descents' - analysis

BBC Sport cycling reporter Matt Warwick

Gino Mader was a talented rider, whose ability to climb the highest peaks with the sport's top athletes was much admired.

What will now be the crowning moment of a life and career cut so tragically short is his victory during the 2021 Giro d'Italia, on the climb to Ascoli Piceno, in which he beat 2019 Tour de France winner Egan Bernal among others.

But his death is a reminder that cycling is one of the most dangerous high-profile elite sports - it takes place on closed public roads with little or no protection for riders who are under pressure to make up time while descending off high mountain climbs.

Riders frequently surpass 100kph, as demonstrated by the race craft of Britain's Tom Pidcock during last year's Tour de France stage victory to Alpe d'Huez.

While descending is a big part of what makes professional road cycling so enthralling for its fans, Mader's death must reopen debate into whether changes should be made to such a risky endeavour.

Riders at the Tour de Suisse console each other after learning of Gino Mader's death

Riders console each other after learning of Gino Mader's death

A rider and team members console each other stood next to the Bahrain Victorious team bus

Bahrain Victorious team members were visibly shaken by the news and consoled by rival team members

Bahrain Victorious team members lead the Gino Mader memorial ride during stage six of the 2023 Tour de Suisse

Gino's Bahrain Victorious team-mates led Friday's memorial ride

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.

Netherland's Mathieu van der Poel celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the men's Paris Roubaix, a 260 kilometer (162 miles) one-day-race, at the velodrome in Roubaix, northern France, Sunday, April. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

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.”

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.”

More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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.

Swiss rider Gino Mäder cycles during the third stage of the Tour of Romandie UCI cycling world tour, to and from Chatel-Saint-Denis, Switzerland, on April 28, 2023.

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.

Switzerland

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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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Tour de Suisse united in mourning for Gino Mäder

Swiss rider dead at the age of 26 following crash on Albulapass

All thoughts at the Tour de Suisse today are for Gino Mäder, who remains in hospital after his crash on the descent of the Albulapass yesterday afternoon. His Bahrain Victorious team provided its most recent update on his condition yesterday evening, confirming that he had been resuscitated at the scene of the crash and then transported by helicopter to Chur Hospital. Magnus Sheffield was also a faller on the descent, and the Ineos rider spent last night in hospital after being diagnosed with a concussion.

Today’s stage, meanwhile, has been shortened to 141km due to a rock avalanche above Brienz, meaning that the early climbs of the Albulapass and Latsch have been stricken from the route of day that now gets underway at 12.30 CET. Simone Giuliani has more details here .

After yesterday's queen stage, today's 6th stage will start at 12.30 pm in Chur instead of La Punt. A big thank you to the entire staff for making this last-minute postponement possible! Of course, our thoughts are also with Gino Mäder and his family! Stay strong Gino!❤️ pic.twitter.com/gpYaY25nCv June 16, 2023

Mattias Skjelmose (Trek-Segafredo) regained yellow yesterday but it's still very tight atop the overall standings, with Felix Gall (AG2R Citroen) second at 8 seconds, and yesterday's winner, a resurgent Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), third at 18 seconds. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep), meanwhile, remains firmly in the hunt given the time trial on the final day. The top 10 is as follows:

Tour de Suisse 2023: GC standings after stage 5

Gino Mäder, 1997-2023

Bahrain Victorious have announced the death of Gino Mäder following his crash on yesterday's stage.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"Managing Director Milan Erzen commented this morning:” "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. 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.

"Gino’s family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss, and we kindly ask that their wishes be respected. The team and family express our gratitude for the overwhelming support we have received from the whole cycling world.

"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."

Today's stage has been delayed until further notice following the tragic news. I don't see how the riders who raced alongside Gino Mäder yesterday can possibly be expected to climb on their bikes and compete this afternoon.

We are heartbroken! Gino you've been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person! Always smilling and making people happy arround you! Rest in peace! Our thoughts are with Gino's family!Below you can find the official statement of @BHRVictorious pic.twitter.com/hqLF8FF5nQ June 16, 2023

Marcel Sieberg of Tudor Cycling consoles Bahrain Victorious staff at the start of stage 6 of the Tour de Suisse.

In loving memory and deep gratitude for Gino Mäder. You touched our lives, and your presence will forever be cherished. Rest in peace. 🙏 June 16, 2023

🙏🏻 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

The race organisation has confirmed that today's stage of the Tour de Suisse has been neutralised. The peloton will ride the final 30km of the route together in memory of Gino Mäder, as per the wishes of his family. “The peloton will ride the final 30km," said the Tour de Suisse organisation. "The race will be neutralised today and all the riders will form a cortege in memory of Gino Mäder as they ride to the finish line.”

Tour de Suisse race director Olivier Senn: “We’re all devasted – the organisers, the teams, the riders, everybody. What happened is really terrible and it’s difficult for me to speak because Gino was a wonderful person who didn’t deserve to leave this world in this way. Everybody knew him and everybody loved him. We won’t race today but we want to remember him and pay tribute to him by riding the finale of the stage. We’ll all ride together as a group to the finish line in memory of Gino.”

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 June 16, 2023

The peloton is expected begin riding the neutralised final 20km of the stage at 16.00 CET, reaching the finish line in Oberwil-Lieli at 16.40

Gino Mäder was an undoubted talent on the bike, as his stage win at the 2021 Giro d’Italia and his fifth-place finish at that year’s Vuelta a España’s testified, but it was his immense human qualities that left the greatest impression on all who met him. His interviews, both in races and away from them, were testament to a range of interests that extended far beyond the bike, with a particular emphasis on environmental issues.

Professional cycling has a tendency to take itself very seriously – too seriously – at times, but Mäder’s freewheeling attitude always felt like an antidote to all that. A sense of fun pervaded his every act on a bike and his every utterance off it. His enthusiasm for cycling and, above all, for the people he met through the sport was obvious, and his death has sparked a sincere outpouring of grief from his peers and from all those who watched him race.

The Tour de Suisse peloton is currently pedalling gently towards the finish line in Oberwil-Lieli, united in remembrance of the late Gino Mäder. The riders, many of whom are donning black armbands, are taking it in turns to pedal at the head of the bunch. We imagine that Mäder's Bahrain Victorious teammates will lead the peloton across the finish line.

As well as the poignant, rolling eulogy to Gino Mäder currently unfolding on the road to Oberwil-Lieli, many more tributes have been paid from the peloton and from across cycling to the late rider in the hours since his tragic death at the age of 26.

Bahrain Victorious lead the peloton up a short climb, to hushed but heartfelt applause from the spectators gathered at the roadside.

We ride for you Gino!❤️.#tds2023 #tourdesuisse #rip @BHRVictorious pic.twitter.com/fyt3eF1LCf June 16, 2023

The Bahrain Victorious riders and team cars have moved to the very head of the peloton as they enter the final kilometre of this tribute to Gino Mäder.

The only sound at the finish is of gentle applause as first the Bahrain Victorious riders and then the rest of the peloton cross the finish line. Some of the Bahrain riders raise a hand to acknowledge the outpouring of sympathy from the roadside. Pello Bilbao points to the sky in memory of his friend and teammate.

We have, sadly, witnessed other rolling memorials like this over the years. Motorola led the peloton over the line in Pau at the 1995 Tour de France in memory of Fabio Casartelli. Leopard Trek and Tyler Farrar paid a similar tribute to Wouter Weylandt in Livorno on the 2011 Giro d’Italia. Lotto Soudal led the Tour de Pologne peloton to the finish in Kocierz following Bjorg Lambrecht’s death in 2019. On each of these sorrowful occasions, the solidarity of the peloton has been deeply affecting and beyond the description of mere words.

🇨🇭 #Tourdesuisse In honour of Gino! @tds #RideAsOne pic.twitter.com/3jX6WD4BFq June 16, 2023

In the saddest imaginable circumstances, yellow jersey Mattias Skjelmose put the peloton's day into words. "I’m sad. It was really weird to be on the bike today. It hit me really hard when I saw only six Bahrain riders going over the line together. That was something really pushing me to the limit emotionally," said Skjelmose.

Like most at the Tour de Suisse, he hasn't had time to give any consideration to whether the race should proceed this weekend.

"For now, we only did 20k neutralised and I think that was right because Gino’s parents wanted it," he said. "I don’t know what’s happening in the next days. And I’m not sure how I really feel about it myself. Right now I just want to go home and sleep."

World champion Remco Evenepoel consoles Gino Mäder’s mother Heidi.

Gino Mäder’s mother Sandra followed today's memorial ride from a Bahrain Victorious team car, and she was consoled by many of the rider's colleagues and friends when they reached the finish line.

Race director Olivier Senn has indicated that no decision has yet been taken over the continuation of the Tour de Suisse. "Today it's all about Gino," he said, according to Blick. "I spoke to his parents. They don't want us to be sad. We will conduct the discussions as to whether and how to proceed. But we won't push anything."

Olivier Senn has since spoken in a press conference at the finish. “It was a very intense last hour and really hard to take in the sitation," he said. "It was truly a beautiful celebration in memory of Gino, even though it was definitely the hardest day of my life and the hardest hour of my life. You never think of that when you run the race. It’s all adrenaline and full gas to the finish and now it was completely the opposite.

“I think it’s really important that we keep Gino in a positive memory. He was a happy rider and an open rider, an intelligent person who thought beyond cycling. This is what we should keep in memory. I certainly will and I hope the cycling world will as well.”

Senn confirmed that no decision has been taken over whether the race will continue. Discussion will take place in the next hours with the UCI, CPA and AIGCP, though a final decision might not arrive until tomorrow morning.

"Regarding tomorrow and the next stages, we will start the discussions after this," Senn said. "It’s not a simple decision. There’s a lot of people involved who are very moved by the situation: riders, team members and our staff. Everybody knew him well.

"We will have to discuss if it’s at all possible to organise a race, and if our staff is up for it. We will certainly not push it through just because we want to or have to. We will do it if everyone wants it, if everyone is fit and if the mindset is the right one to produce a safe race tomorrow and the day after.

"We will also discuss with the UCI, the AIGCP and the UCI on what we’re going to do. It will be an open discussion. We will take a common decision. It’s not just our decision but a decision of all the parties. Those discussions will take place in the next hours and maybe the decision will only be tomorrow morning. We don’t know yet."

Alasdair Fotheringham has written this obituary for the late Gino Mäder . He was a rider and a man apart. "The results were only ever a small part of the story," Alasdair writes. "As Friday's outpouring of grief and sadness has shown, it is Gino Mäder the person, the rider who always looked beyond himself and to the world beyond cycling, who will be missed the most."

A full account of the Tour de Suisse peloton's tribute to Gino Mäder is available here .

Stefan Küng paid this tribute to Gino Mäder in an interview with L’Équipe TV. The Swiss rider was among the first to seek out Heidi Mäder and offer his condolences at the finish line. “I knew him well, given that he was a Swiss pro rider and there aren’t so many of us,” Küng said. “I don’t really have any words, my thoughts are just with his family and his loved ones. Gino was just a marvellous guy, he was very courteous and very empathetic. He often thought of others and he know he was privileged to be able to do this sport. He was just a very good person.”

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Swiss Cyclist Gino Mäder Dies After Falling Down a Ravine in the Tour De Suisse

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder has died one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse

Massimo Paolone

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)

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.

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.

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Muslims gather to perform an Eid al-Fitr prayer, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan at Washington Square Park on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

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

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.

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.”

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.”

More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Remco Evenepoel points to the sky as he crosses the finish line.

Evenepoel leads tributes to Gino Mäder after winning Tour de Suisse stage seven

Mäder’s Team Bahrain Victorious one of three to pull out of race
Swiss cyclist died after crash on Thursday’s final descent

The world champion, Remco Evenepoel, pointed to the sky in tribute to Gino Mäder as he won stage seven of the Tour de Suisse a day after the Swiss rider died as a result of injuries suffered in a crash at the race.

Mäder, who was 26, was unable to recover from injuries sustained in a high-speed crash on a descent on Thursday and died in hospital.

Friday’s stage was cancelled, replaced by a 20km ride along the final part of the route in memory of Mäder, but on Saturday the racing was back on in line with the wishes of Mäder’s family. However, the stage to Weinfelden was a subdued affair.

Mäder’s Team Bahrain Victorious, who had ridden across the line in unison on Friday, withdrew from the race before the start, as did the Intermarché-Circus-Gobert and Tudor Pro Cycling teams and 17 other riders, leaving 113 in the race.

Organisers had announced the time gaps for the general classification would be taken with 25km to go, removing any pressure on those riders involved in the fight for yellow before Sunday’s closing time trial.

A dove is released by a staff member before the start of Saturday’s stage

There were no attacks until the peloton had passed that point and when they did begin, Evenepoel launched a move with 17km remaining and rode home solo, blowing a kiss and pointing to the sky as he crossed the line.

Prior to the stage, there had been questions over whether the Tour would be completed and also whether or not the women’s edition – which started on Saturday – would begin.

The race director, Olivier Senn, said: “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.”

Truck driver arrested over fatal Rebellin crash

Police in Germany have arrested a truck driver accused over the crash in Italy last year that killed professional cyclist Davide Rebellin, Italian prosecutors said on Saturday.

Wolfgang Rieke is accused of road homicide and leaving the scene of a crash, and was arrested on Thursday in Münster on a European arrest warrant. Rebellin, one of cycling’s longest-serving professionals, was killed on 30 November during a training run near the northern Italian town of Montebello Vicentino.

At the time, Italian media reported the truck that struck Rebellin didn’t stop. Prosecutors, citing roadside video and witness photos, claimed the driver stopped, got out of the cab and approached Rebellin, and then got back in the truck and left the scene.

The investigation identified the truck as belonging to a shipping firm based in Recke, Germany, and Rieke as the driver. After the crash, the truck continued on to its destination in Verona and returned to Germany on 3 December. Associated Press

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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.

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.

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.

Bahrain - Victorious' Swiss rider Gino Mader cycles during the third stage of the Tour of Romandie UCI cycling World tour, 18.8 km time trial to and from Chatel-Saint-Denis

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.

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“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.

Bahrain Victorious rider Gino Mader of Switzerland

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.”

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

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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.