Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died at the age of 26 after crashing on stage five of the Tour de Suisse.
The Team Bahrain Victorious rider was involved in a high-speed crash with American Magnus Sheffield, 21, on Thursday on the descent of the Albula Pass and fell into a ravine.
He was resuscitated at the scene before being airlifted to hospital in Chur, but passed away on Friday morning.
Bahrain Victorious said Mader was “one of the shining lights of our team”.
“Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the whole cycling community,” Mader’s team said.
“His talent, dedication and passion for the sport has inspired us all.”
Team managing director Milan Erzen said: “Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist but a great person off the bike.
“Bahrain Victorious will race in his honour, keeping his memory on every road we race. We are determined to show the spirit and passion Gino displayed, and he will always remain an integral part of our team.”
A statement said the Tour de Suisse is “heartbroken” by Mader’s death, while the UCI – cycling’s world governing body – said he was a “rising star”.
Ineos Grenadiers rider Sheffield was taken to hospital with a concussion and soft tissue damage.
Mader was a track cyclist before turning professional on the road in 2019 and joined Team Bahrain Victorious two years later.
In 2021, he won stage six of the Giro d’Italia and finished top of the young rider classification at the Vuelta a Espana.
After the conclusion of stage five, Soudal-Quickstep rider and road race world champion Remco Evenepoel expressed his concerns over the “dangerous descent” at the finish.
‘Your smile will forever be in our hearts’ – reaction
Following Mader’s death, the Giro d’Italia said his “smile will forever be in our hearts”, while UCI president David Lappartient said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, adding it was a “terrible blow” to the cycling community.
British rider Geraint Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France winner, said: “I can’t believe what I’m reading. Such a sad sad day. Thoughts with everyone who knew and loved Gino.”
The professional riders’ association the CPA added: “Our hearts bleed at this news. Condolences to his family, the team and the many friends who loved him.”
