Gino Mader dead: Tour de Suisse cyclist dies aged 26 after crash

Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died at the age of 26 after a crash during the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse.

The cyclist was involved in a high-speed collision with American Magnus Sheffield on the descent of the Albula Pass in the Swiss Alps on Thursday.

The Team Bahrain Victorious rider fell into a ravine and was resuscitated on the spot before being airlifted to a hospital in Chur.

Mader sadly passed away Friday morning after doctors worked overnight to save his life.

In a statement, Bahrain Victorious said: ‘It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we must announce the passing of Gino Mäder. On Friday, June 16, after a very bad crash during stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse, Gino lost the battle to recover from the serious injuries he suffered.

The cyclist was airlifted to hospital after being seriously injured, but sadly passed away on Friday morning at the age of 26

A minute of silence was held in the Tour de Suisse on Friday morning in honor of Mader

“Our entire team has been devastated by this tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the entire cycling community.

“His talent, dedication and passion for the sport has inspired us all.”

The team’s general manager, Milan Erzen, said: ‘He was not only an exceptionally talented cyclist, but also a wonderful person off the bike.

“Bahrain Victorious will race in his honor and keep his memory on every road we race on.

“We are committed to displaying the spirit and passion that Gino displayed, and he will always be an integral part of our team.”

The Tour de Suisse also released a statement on Twitter saying they were ‘heartbroken’ by the news, while also saying, ‘Gino, you’ve been an outstanding rider, but even more so an amazing person. Rest in peace. Our thoughts are with Gino’s family.’

Mader started his professional career with Team Dimension Data in 2019 before moving to Bahrain Victorious in 2021.

The Bahrain Victorious rider achieved his first stage victory in the Giro d’Italia in 2021

A view of where Mader and Sheffield collided during the Tour de Suisse on Thursday

Sheffield suffered a concussion and was taken to hospital but was seen (right) walking away from the incident

Both the Tour de Suisse and the UCI paid tribute to the Bahrain Victorious rider on Twitter

He took his first professional stage win in the 2021 Giro d’Italia on stage six, before winning stage eight in the Tour de Suisse that same year.

In 2022 he finished second overall in the Tour de Romandie, while in March 2023 he took a fifth place in the Paris-Nice race.

Sheffield suffered a concussion and was taken to hospital after the incident.

Cycling’s governing body, the UCI, also wrote on Twitter: ‘The UCI is devastated to learn of the death of professional cyclist Gino Mäder.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone associated with Gino who was a rising star in professional cycling.”