Gino Mader crash — Tour de Suisse riders form procession to honour dead Swiss cyclist, 26, after he plunged into ravine
SWISS cyclist Gino Mader has died following a serious crash during stage five of the Tour de Suisse.
The 26-year-old was airlifted to hospital after a horrific plunge into a ravine on Thursday - with the crash rendering Mader "motionless in water" and "needing resuscitation" at the scene.
A team statement said: "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."
The remaining part of the race was "neutralised" and saw the riders pay homage to Mader in a procession - before the cyclist was awarded the stage win posthumously.
A statement read: “The peloton will start the last 30 kilometres; the race will be neutralised today, and all the riders will form a procession in tribute”
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Tour De France pays tribute
The Tour De France has issued a tribute for Gino Mader.
They said: “It is with deep sadness that we hear of Gino’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to Gino’s family, teammates and relatives.”
How did Gino die?
The 26-year-old was airlifted to hospital after a horrific plunge into a ravine on Thursday.
The crash had left Mader “motionless in water” and “needing resuscitation” at the scene.
However, his team Bahrain Victorious have now confirmed the worst.
What is the Tour De Suisse?
The Tour de Suisse is an annual road cycling stage race which takes place over eight days.
The event covers two weekends in June, and along with the Critérium du Dauphiné, it is considered a proving ground for the Tour de France.
Everything Bahrain Victorious team will achieve, ‘will be done so in his memory’
Rob Hatch added how Bahrain Victorious’ future achievements will be in Gino’s name, as he said: “Anything and everything they may achieve, will be done so in his memory.
“Once again all of our thoughts in the commentary box, the whole organisation, and I’m sure just for once you’ll allow me to speak for the whole cycling family. Our sympathies, our condolences, our thoughts are with Bahrain Victorious at this very moment.
“With the family, friends and loved ones of the last Gino Mader, who today, just the day after he was riding his bicycle against his mates, has died at the age of 26. A tragic, emotional, hurtful, day full of pain.”
Rob Hatch reflects on the day ‘when the world stops making sense’
As they crossed the finish line at the Tour de Suisse, the atmosphere was one of sadness and tears rather than triumph.
It comes as the sporting world has lost cyclist Gino Mader which left many like Rob Hatch feeling “sick to the bottom of the stomach.”
For cyclist commentator Rob Hatch it seemed like it was a day “when the world stops making sense” as he reflected on the past hours.
He said: “Today will feel like a nightmare to most. Unspeakably sad. Aside from his sporting achievements, it was his personality that means this will be felt by a gigantic loss.
“Not just his family and friends, but his wider family in cycling, all of you watching, and who have gathered here this afternoon in the most tragic of circumstances. Taken from us all far too soon.
“Even for you who aren’t hearing of this for the first time, I know this will be devastating. It’s one of those days when life is cruel and unfair. I’m sure none of us understand why. Such a person, who was intelligent, friendly and open minded.
“As the wonderful stories emerge, nice stories continue to be told. Thanks Gino… for all the light you brought to the world. May you rest in peace.”
Hatch also addressed Magnus Sheffield, who was involved in the crash and is currently recovering in the hospital.
He added: “Gino Mader tragically lost his life, Magnus recovering in hospital. We’re all thinking of you, Magnus.”
Other rolling memorials throughout the years
The challenging sport of cycling has seen tributes similar to the one given to Gino Mader today.
In 1995, Motorola led the peloton during the Tour de France as they paid tribute to Fabio Casartelli.
Then in 2011, during the Giro d'Italia, Leopard Trek and Tyler Farrar did something similar to honour Wouter Weylandt.
More recently in 2019, Lotto Soudal led the peloton to the finish in Kocierz in the Tour de Pologne to remember Bjorg Lambrecht.
Watch as riders ride the last 20km of the Tour de Suisse to honour Gino
In pictures: The riders cross the finish line
Riders criticise the area of the descent
World Champion Remco Evenepoel has criticised the area of the descent before the tragic news broke.
He said: "No one can be satisfied that the race ends after such a dangerous descent. I heard some guys fell. It would have been better if the finish had been on top.”
Mattias Skjelmose agreed according to Blick, as he said: "Perhaps this descent at the end wasn't the best idea."
When did the crash happen?
Yesterday, Gino Mader and Magnus Sheffield crashed heavily in the finale of stage 5 on the descent of the Albulapass.
They both received treatment on-site before they were taken to hospital, while Gino was airlifted.
While Gino suffered a horrible fate, Magnus sustained a concussion and was kept in hospital overnight.
The tour published a statement later on, which read: "At race kilometre 197 in the descent of the Albula Pass, two riders crashed at very high speed. The race doctor was on the scene of the accident within two minutes. Magnus Sheffield was responsive. He was transported to Samedan hospital with bruises and a concussion
"Gino Mäder lay motionless in the water. He was immediately resuscitated and then transported to Chur hospital by air ambulance. The severity of his injuries has not yet been fully clarified. An update will be given as soon as new information is available. The circumstances of the accident are being clarified."
Statement from Race Director
Tour de Suisse race director Olivier Senn said: "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.”
Statement from team manager
Bahrain Victorious's managing director Milan Erzen added: "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.
"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."
Who was Gino Mader?
Born January 4, 1997, Gino was raised in Chur, Switzerland and rode for Team Bahrain.
Mader came first in a 2015 Time trial National Road Championships before turning fully professional four years later with UCI WorldTeam Team Dimension Data.
And since then, the Swiss star has participated in many huge stages such as Vuelta a Espana, Alto de Velefique and Altu d'El Gamoniteiru.
But one of Mader's biggest accomplishments was coming first on stage four of the 2021 Gino d'Italia.
What is the Tour De Suisse?
The Tour de Suisse is an annual road cycling stage race which takes place over eight days.
The event covers two weekends in June, and along with the Critérium du Dauphiné, it is considered a proving ground for the Tour de France.
What has Tour De Suisse said?
The Tour de Suisse said: "We are heartbroken! Gino you've been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person!
"Always smiling and making people happy around you! Rest in peace! Our thoughts are with Gino's family!"
Tributes flood inThe Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "The UCI is devastated to learn of the death of professional cyclist, Gino Mäder.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone connected with Gino who was a rising star within the professional ranks of cycling."
Gino Mader's team statement
A team statement said: "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.
"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."
How did Gino die?
The 26-year-old was airlifted to hospital after a horrific plunge into a ravine on Thursday.
The crash had left Mader "motionless in water" and "needing resuscitation" at the scene.
However, his team Bahrain Victorious have now confirmed the worst.
Gino Mader dies following crash
The world of cycling is in mourning after the death of Gino Mader.
The Swiss cyclist passed away following a serious crash during stage five of the Tour de Suisse, which is considered a proving ground for the Tour de France.
Everything Bahrain Victorious team will achieve, 'will be done so in his memory'
Rob Hatch added how Bahrain Victorious' future achievements will be in Gino's name, as he said: "Anything and everything they may achieve, will be done so in his memory.
"Once again all of our thoughts in the commentary box, the whole organisation, and I’m sure just for once you’ll allow me to speak for the whole cycling family. Our sympathies, our condolences, our thoughts are with Bahrain Victorious at this very moment.
"With the family, friends and loved ones of the last Gino Mader, who today, just the day after he was riding his bicycle against his mates, has died at the age of 26. A tragic, emotional, hurtful, day full of pain.”
Rob Hatch reflects on the day 'when the world stops making sense'
As they crossed the finish line at the Tour de Suisse, the atmosphere was one of sadness and tears rather than triumph.
It comes as the sporting world has lost cyclist Gino Mader which left many like Rob Hatch feeling "sick to the bottom of the stomach."
For cyclist commentator Rob Hatch it seemed like it was a day "when the world stops making sense" as he reflected on the past hours.
He said: "Today will feel like a nightmare to most. Unspeakably sad. Aside from his sporting achievements, it was his personality that means this will be felt by a gigantic loss.
"Not just his family and friends, but his wider family in cycling, all of you watching, and who have gathered here this afternoon in the most tragic of circumstances. Taken from us all far too soon.
“Even for you who aren’t hearing of this for the first time, I know this will be devastating. It’s one of those days when life is cruel and unfair. I’m sure none of us understand why. Such a person, who was intelligent, friendly and open minded.
“As the wonderful stories emerge, nice stories continue to be told. Thanks Gino... for all the light you brought to the world. May you rest in peace."
Hatch also addressed Magnus Sheffield, who was involved in the crash and is currently recovering in the hospital.
He added: "Gino Mader tragically lost his life, Magnus recovering in hospital. We’re all thinking of you, Magnus.”
Other rolling memorials throughout the years
The challenging sport of cycling has seen tributes similar to the one given to Gino Mader today.
In 1995, Motorola led the peloton during the Tour de France as they paid tribute to Fabio Casartelli.
Then in 2011, during the Giro d'Italia, Leopard Trek and Tyler Farrar did something similar to honour Wouter Weylandt.
More recently in 2019, Lotto Soudal led the peloton to the finish in Kocierz in the Tour de Pologne to remember Bjorg Lambrecht.
Watch as riders ride the last 20km of the Tour de Suisse to honour Gino
The riders cross the finish line
Credit: EPA Credit: EPA Credit: EPA Credit: EPA