GENEVA (AP) Swiss cyclist Gino Mader died Friday, a day after he crashed and fell into a ravine during his descent into the Tour de Suisse.
The 26-year-old Mader crashed After turning left on a steep road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage at La Punt. A creek stopped his fall by about 30 metres.
“Gino has lost his battle to recover from the serious injuries he sustained,” the Bahrain Victorious team said in a statement. “Despite the best efforts of the tremendous staff at Shore Hospital, Gino was unable to make it through this last and biggest challenge, and at 11:30am we said goodbye to one of the bright lights of our team.”
Race organizers said Thursday that medical staff who arrived at Meader found him still in the water. CPR was performed on him before he was airlifted to the hospital.
“Our entire team has been devastated by this tragic accident, and our hearts 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 plaintiffs He wanted to hear from witnesses who may have witnessed and filmed the accident.
The Tour de Suisse is a preparatory race for next month’s Tour de France.
Mader’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 the riders gathered in silent tributes before the podium was cancelled.
The peloton marched together in Meder’s honor for a 30-kilometre (18-mile) route scheduled for Friday. Racing should resume on Saturday.
“He was devastated by the news,” said world champion Remco Evenpoel, who is fourth in the racing standings. “My heart and strength are with Gino’s family, friends, and teammates.”
Evenepoel earlier criticized Thursday’s stage after finishing the day in 10th place.
“While it was entirely possible to finish at the top, it was not a good decision to allow us to finish on such a dangerous descent,” he said. Evenepoel Books on his Twitter account. “As riders, we must also consider the risks we take when going down the mountain.”
A second rider also crashed at the same spot. Magnus Sheffield from the United States suffered a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital.
In earlier incidents, Belgian rider Wouter Wielandt was killed in a crash at the Giro d’Italia in May 2011. Another Belgian rider, Antoine Demoiti, died after crashing At the Gent-Wevelgem one-day race in March 2016.
Mäder was one of the best young riders in Switzerland. He won a stage in the 2021 Giro and finished fifth in that year’s Spanish Vuelta. He also finished fifth in the stage race between Paris and Nice in March.
“We are heartbroken,” Tour de Suisse organizers said in a statement. “Gino, you were an excellent rider but an even more amazing person. You always smile and make people around you happy.”
Madere was asked on Sunday By a race reporter what makes him happy at the end of the week-long race. “If I’m still healthy and enjoying my home race, maybe I’ll have some success with the team,” said Mader.
Team manager Milan Erzen paid tribute to the jockey, saying, “His talent, dedication and enthusiasm were an inspiration to all of us.”
“Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist, but he was also an amazing person off the bike,” Erzen said.
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