Bahrain Victorious rider Gino Mader dies during Tour of Switzerland

AFP | Manama                                                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Swiss rider Gino Maeder has died from the injuries he sustained when he plunged into a ravine during a stage of the Tour of Switzerland, his team Bahrain-Victorious said on Friday.

Maeder, 26, fell during a high-speed descent on the fifth stage between Fiesch and La Punt on Thursday, after an exhausting day marked by three ascents over 2,000 metres altitude.

He had been found "lifeless in the water" of a ravine below the road, "immediately resuscitated then transported to the hospital in Chur by air", organisers said.

But the next day, "Gino lost his battle to recover from the serious injuries he sustained," Bahrain-Victorious 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 11:30am we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team," the team added.

"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."

Maeder had enjoyed a strong start to the season, finishing fifth in the Paris-Nice race.

Maeder had been racing for Bahrain Victorious since the 2021 season and immediately made an impact on the Grand Tour scene for his new team.

The Swiss rider won Stage 6 of the Giro d’Italia and then claimed the white jersey as the best young rider at La Vuelta when finishing fifth in the GC in the same year.

In 2022 he also recorded a second-place finish at the Tour de Romandie.

Bahrain Victorious 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.”

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.

On Thursday, world champion Remco Evenepoel criticised the decision to compete on such a dangerous road.

"While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn't a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent," the Belgian wrote on Twitter.

"As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain."