2023-06-16 19:10:34
Gino Mäder was only 26 years old. Victim of a very heavy fall during the queen stage of the Tour de Suisse between Fiesch and La Punt, in the vertiginous descent of the Albula pass on Thursday June 15, the rider from the Bahrain-Victorious formation did not survive to his numerous bruises and severe concussion.
The race was “neutralized” this Friday before the start of the 6th stage between Chur and Oberwil-Lieli, and the peloton covered the last 30 kilometers in silence, forming a procession a few meters behind the six teammates of Gino Mäder, who crossed the line to the applause of the spectators.
Faces closed on the bikes, Gino Mäder’s teammates greeted his photo overlooking the finish line.
“Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and of the entire cycling community,” the Bahrain-Victorious team said in a statement. His talent, dedication and passion for the sport inspired us all. Gino, thank you for the light, the joy and the laughter you brought us, we will miss you as a runner and as a person. Today and every day we ride for you, Gino”.
This tragedy shook the whole peloton, “Not the words… RIP Gino. This sport that brings us so much, but where everything can collapse in a fraction of a second… Huge thoughts to the loved ones and family of Gino Mäder! said French runner Alexis Vuillermoz. His compatriots Julian Alaphilippe and Pierre Roland also reacted: “Terribly shocked. All my condolences to his family and loved ones. You were a warrior, a nice Gino guy” for the first and “I just have no words…Rest in peace Gino. A very big thought to his family and loved ones…” for the second.
News that also saddens former runner Philippe Gilbert. Elected by the riders to the UCI Athletes’ Commission at the end of his career, his work focused on the safety of riders in the race: “As a member of the Athletes’ Commission, I would like to present my sincere condolences to Gino’s family, friends, and fans and team.”
The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) also reacted on Twitter: “The UCI is devastated to learn of the death of professional cyclist Gino Mäder. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all those connected to him. He is a rising star who is leaving professional cycling”.
Other teams expressed their sadness. “Overwhelming information and really difficult to conceive,” said Soudal Quick-Step. “Our sport, so beautiful and so cruel,” reacted AG2R. “Cycling is a big family, today we all mourn a special boy. Your smile will always remain in our hearts, ”said the organization of the Tour of Italy, where the climber had won a stage in 2021.
On the runners’ side, the Slovenian Primoz Roglic said he was “speechless” and the Welshman Geraint Thomas spoke of “a sad day”. “Rest in peace, I will miss you”, posted the Slovenian Tadej Pogacar on Instagram
A great talent in Swiss cycling, the 26-year-old rider notably won a stage of the Tour de Suisse and a stage of the Giro in 2021. This year, he finished fifth in the general classification of Paris-Nice.
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