Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder has died following a crash during the Tour de Suisse race.
The 26-year-old deceased lost his life when he slipped down a gully near the end of Thursday’s challenging fifth stage.
He was taken to a hospital in Chur, where he suffered severe injuries before passing away. The accident occurred on a steep downhill route, and medical personnel started CPR at the spot.
“Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff”, he “couldn’t make it through this, his final and biggest challenge”, his team Bahrain Victorious said on Friday.
“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.”
A second rider, Magnus Sheffield, also crashed at the same spot. The American suffered a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital. Belgian world champion Remco Evenepoel, who placed 10th on stage five and is currently fourth in the standings, has criticized Thursday’s course.
“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 Twitter.
“As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain.”
Mäder’s death was announced about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage in the eight-day Tour de Suisse. The start was delayed, and riders gathered in a silent tribute before the stage was cancelled.
Race organizers said the peloton would ride together in tribute to Mäder for the final 18 miles of Friday’s scheduled route. The race should resume Saturday. “Devastated by the news,” said world champion Remco Evenepoel. “My heart and strength is with Gino’s family, friends, and teammates.”
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