The tragedy of Gino Mäder

 

The tragic death of Swiss star Gino Mäder on stage five of the Tour de Suisse has driven all other cycling matters out of mind. It strips back the joy we take from the sport.  Thrilling action which, in a trice, turns into disaster.

For his family, for his team mates, for his compatriots.

It serves as a stark reminder of the risks riders often face when taking mountain descents at speed.   

Mäder 26, (Team Bahrain-Victorious) and American Magnus Sheffield , 21, (INEOS) crashed on the descent of Albula Pass 14 kilometres from the finish of the stage.

We learn how both riders fell into a ravine. Mäder was initially found to be motionless. Sheffield suffered a concussion and soft tissue damage.

Both were flown to hospital where the Swiss died from his injuries the following day. 

 The 6th stage of the Tour de Suisse did not take place.  Instead, the pro field rode the final 19 kilometres of the stage, as a “gruppetto” in honour of their former compatriot.

A day of reflection. 

Gino Mäder won the final stage of the 2021 Tour de Suisse. He also won a stage of the Giro and the young riders’ classification of La Vuelta.

RIP Gino Mäder.