NEW DELHI: Tragic news emerged from the Tour de Suisse as Swiss cyclist Gino Mader, representing Team Bahrain Victorious, lost his life following a devastating crash on Thursday’s stage five. The 26-year-old rider encountered the accident while descending towards La Punt, where he tragically fell into a ravine.
“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,” the team said.

Race officials and medical personnel swiftly responded, discovering Mader in an unresponsive state. The race doctor diligently performed resuscitation efforts, and subsequently, Mader was airlifted to the hospital for further medical attention. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, it is with deep sorrow that Gino Mader’s passing was confirmed by his team, Bahrain Victorious, on Friday.
In a statement, team managing director Milan Erzen said: “We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist, Gino Mader. 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. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

Erzen said the team would continue in the race in honour of Mader.
“We are determined to show the spirit and passion Gino displayed, and he will always remain an integral part of our team,” he said.
Mader joined the Bahrain Victorious team in 2021 and won a stage of the Giro d’Italia that year. He also won the young rider classification at the 2021 Vuelta a Espana.
A statement from the professional riders’ association CPA, read: “Our hearts bleed at this news. Condolences to his family, the team and the many friends who loved him.
“Like all of us. RIP Gino.”
(With Reuters Inputs)