Tragedy on Tour de Suisse: Gino Mäder dies after crash

Team Bahrain Victorious rider Gino Mäder has died after suffering a crash on stage five of the Tour de Suisse on Thursday, it has been confirmed.

The Swiss cyclist, 26, fell into a ravine after a high-speed crash on the Albula Pass descent, during the stage’s final stretch.

INEOS Grenadiers rider Magnus Sheffield also went off the road on the same descent, with tour organisers revealing that the American was treated for bruises and concussion.

Team Bahrain announces death of “extraordinary athlete” Mäder

“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,” Team Bahrain Victorious said in a statement on Friday.

“Following the high-speed incident which occurred on the final descent of Thursday’s stage, the 26 year old was resuscitated at the scene by medical staff who also performed CPR, before being airlifted to hospital.

“Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff at Chur hospital, Gino couldn’t make it through this, his final and biggest challenge, and at 11:30am we said goodbye to 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. His talent, dedication, and passion for the sport has inspired us all.”

Team boss pays tribute to “exceptional cyclist”

Team Bahrain Victorious’ managing director, Milan Erzen, said: “We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mäder. His talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all. Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist, but a great person off the bike.”

Evenepoel lambasts “dangerous” stage five finish

Following the crashes suffered by Mäder and Sheffield on Thursday, Soudal Quickstep rider Remco Evenepoel was critical of the “dangerous” finish to the stage five route.

“I hope that the final of today’s stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders,” Evenepoel tweeted.

“While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn’t a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent. As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain.”