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Cyclist Gino Mäder, 26, dies after a high-speed crash in the Swiss Alps

Bill Chappell

Team Bahrain cyclist Gino Mäder of Switzerland died after suffering a terrible crash in the Tour de Suisse. He's seen here at the 2021 Giro d'Italia road race, wearing the blue jersey signifying the best climber. Dario Belingheri/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Team Bahrain cyclist Gino Mäder of Switzerland died after suffering a terrible crash in the Tour de Suisse. He's seen here at the 2021 Giro d'Italia road race, wearing the blue jersey signifying the best climber.

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died Friday, one day after suffering a terrible crash during a mountain descent in stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse. Both Mäder and another racer, Magnus Sheffield of the U.S., were taken to the hospital after they were hurled into a ravine in the Swiss Alps.

Mäder, 26, crashed during the "queen stage" of the race — the label given to a multistage road race's most challenging and grueling days, which usually involve multiple ascents and test even the strongest riders.

A Pro Cyclist Rode An Unofficial, Solo Tour De France And Beat The Pack

After reaching the Albula Pass at a height just under 7,600 feet, Mäder and other riders faced a roughly 10-kilometer descent , racing down to the stage's finish line. In that segment, a motorcycle camera unit following the race leader clocked speeds of around 100 kph (62 mph).

It's not known precisely what led to the crash; TV broadcasts of the race didn't seem to catch the moment that sent the two riders off the road. "The circumstances of the accident are being clarified," race organizers said on Thursday.

After Mäder's death, the Graubünden cantonal police said on Friday that it is investigating the crash, along with the public prosecutor's office. The police issued a call for witnesses to come forward, particularly if they have video evidence.

The crash came in a high-speed portion of the course

During the descent, the two riders "crashed at very high speed," race organizers said. Another rider, Roland Thalmann, described the scene.

"After a long curve, two bikes were lying on the side of the road, which didn't look nice," Thalmann said, according to Cycling News . "When I looked back, I saw that two riders were quite far down."

Paint outlines of what look to be two tire tracks leading off the road at the curve where Swiss rider Gino Mäder fell during a high-speed descent of the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse. Mäder, 26, died from injuries he sustained when he plunged into a ravine. Arnd Wiegmann/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Paint outlines of what look to be two tire tracks leading off the road at the curve where Swiss rider Gino Mäder fell during a high-speed descent of the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse. Mäder, 26, died from injuries he sustained when he plunged into a ravine.

"The race doctor was on the scene of the accident within two minutes," organizers said. Dr. Roland Kretsch found Sheffield, 21, responsive, with a concussion and bruises. Mäder was in far worse condition in a creek, as he "lay motionless in the water," according to organizers.

The medical team was able to resuscitate Mäder, and he was airlifted to a hospital. Kretsch later told SRF that the cyclists were found far below the roadway, and that Mäder had injuries to his head area.

Mäder's death stuns the cycling world

"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," Mäder's cycling squad, Team Bahrain Victorious, said as it announced his death.

"Today and every day, we ride for you, Gino," the team said.

An aerial photo from June 16, 2023, shows the curve where Swiss rider Gino Mäder crashed during a high-speed descent in the Tour de Suisse. Arnd Wiegmann/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

An aerial photo from June 16, 2023, shows the curve where Swiss rider Gino Mäder crashed during a high-speed descent in the Tour de Suisse.

After the tragic news emerged, cyclists rode an extremely shortened sixth stage of the Tour de Swiss as a memorial to Mäder, with organizers saying the peloton, or main pack of cyclists, would ride only the final 20 kilometers of the planned course under "neutralized" conditions, meaning competition is suspended.

At Friday's finish line, a large crowd turned out to applaud Mäder's six teammates as they crossed the finish line together.

🇨🇭 #Tourdesuisse In honour of Gino! @tds #RideAsOne pic.twitter.com/3jX6WD4BFq — Team Bahrain Victorious (@BHRVictorious) June 16, 2023

The new plan followed another last-minute change, after an avalanche blocked Friday's planned route in the mountains.

In 2021, Mäder won the best young cyclist's white jersey at La Vuelta, Spain's 21-stage race. He took fifth place in that race — the same spot he earned earlier this year, in the eight-day Paris-Nice race.

The Tour de Suisse isn't one of road cycling's three "Grand Tour" races, but with eight stages and plenty of high mountains, it's widely seen as a key tune-up for the Tour de France in July.

Race course layout is put under scrutiny

After Thursday's crash, Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, the reigning world champion, criticized the race course's layout, as he sent his hopes for recovery to riders who crashed.

I hope all the guys that were involved in a crash are okay!! 🙏🏻❤️ I hope that the final of today's stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/UZm6sRwiez — Remco Evenepoel (@EvenepoelRemco) June 15, 2023

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

Evenepoel posted that message on Thursday, before news of Mäder's death emerged.

In many stage races with famously imposing mountains, organizers place the finish line at the very top of the mountain, or just beyond it.

Tour De France Officials Search For Spectator Who Caused Massive Crash

Thursday's stage included three mountain passes, with the first (Furka) and last (Albula) rated as "Hors Catégorie" — a designation reserved for ultra-steep climbs that are beyond cycling's normal 5-level categorization for mountains.

"We will see the best climbers in action again, but the last kilometers will also require a large dose of courage and honed descent skills," the race's official guide stated . It promised that the closing kilometers, descending from the Albula Pass to the mountain village of La Punt, "will be something to see."

Mäder died exactly 75 years after the only other death in the Tour de Suisse, which came when Richard Depoorter crashed in a dim tunnel and was run over by an escort vehicle in 1948, according to Swiss broadcaster RSF .

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Three Teams Drop Out of Tour de Suisse After Cyclist’s Death

Gino Mäder’s Bahrain-Victorious squad and two other teams withdrew on Saturday, but organizers said they would complete the multistage race this weekend.

By Andrew Das

The Tour de Suisse cycling race resumed its multistage competition on Saturday, one day after a rider died from the injuries that he sustained in a crash during a high-speed mountain descent.

The rider, Gino Mäder, was a member of the Bahrain-Victorious team, which announced on Saturday morning that it was withdrawing from the race. Two other teams, Tudor Pro and Intermarché-Circus-Wanty , also said they had decided to leave the race.

The Bahrain-Victorious team’s riders, as well as the rest of the competitors, were informed of Mäder’s death on Friday morning — a day after he went off the course and tumbled down a steep ravine. The riders participated in a shortened memorial ride on Friday that replaced the day’s stage, which was called off.

But with the race, an important tuneup for the Tour de France next month, set to return for its final two competitive stages this weekend, Bahrain-Victorious confirmed on social media on Saturday morning that its team would not take part.

“Following the tragic loss of Gino Mäder,” the team said in a post on Twitter, “Team Bahrain Victorious has taken the decision to withdraw from Tour de Suisse.”

Two other teams quickly followed suit. Both cited the well-being of their riders in their decisions to drop out. “Under these difficult circumstances we feel it is the human way to respect the feelings of our riders and pay respect to Gino,” Tudor Pro’s statement said.

Race officials said late Friday that they had made the decision to continue the race in consultation with the family of Mäder, one of Switzerland’s best young riders. A four-stage women’s event began on Saturday as planned.

“After consultation with all the people involved, we as the management stand united behind this decision and are trying to hold the last two stages of the men’s race in an appropriate setting,” the tour’s race director, Olivier Senn, said in a statement.

“Today was the worst day of my life,” Senn added in the statement. “But tomorrow is a new day, and that’s what we have to take care of as an organization.”

The police are investigating the crash, and officials were reported to be interested in hearing from any witnesses who might have seen and filmed the episode.

Mäder crashed along with an American rider, Magnus Sheffield, on Thursday near the end of the fifth stage of the weeklong race, which ends with a final descent down the Albula Pass. The final section where the crash occurred, just after a sweeping downhill curve on an unprotected road with mountains to its left and a steep drop-off just beyond its right edge, was largely empty when the riders passed through it.

Photographs of the area of the crash showed what appeared to be two sets of tire tracks leading to the edge of a sharp drop above the site where Mäder and Sheffield fell.

Mäder and Sheffield were treated where they came to rest, near a set of drainage pipes down a long slope. Sheffield, who was reported to have sustained a concussion and cuts and bruises, appeared to be able to walk back up the hill with assistance. Race officials said Mäder was revived at the scene after being discovered “motionless in the water.” After initial treatment, he was evacuated from the scene in a helicopter.

At least one rider, the reigning world champion Remco Evenepoel, suggested that the course did not have to be so treacherous.

“I hope that the final of today’s stage is food for thought for both cycling organizers as well as ourselves as riders,” Evenepoel said on Twitter after the crash but before the severity of Mäder’s condition was known. “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.”

Andrew Das joined The Times in 2006. An assistant editor in Sports, he helps direct coverage of soccer, the Olympics and international sports. More about Andrew Das

Tour de Suisse united in mourning for Gino Mäder

Swiss rider dead at the age of 26 following crash on Albulapass

All thoughts at the Tour de Suisse today are for Gino Mäder, who remains in hospital after his crash on the descent of the Albulapass yesterday afternoon. His Bahrain Victorious team provided its most recent update on his condition yesterday evening, confirming that he had been resuscitated at the scene of the crash and then transported by helicopter to Chur Hospital. Magnus Sheffield was also a faller on the descent, and the Ineos rider spent last night in hospital after being diagnosed with a concussion.

Today’s stage, meanwhile, has been shortened to 141km due to a rock avalanche above Brienz, meaning that the early climbs of the Albulapass and Latsch have been stricken from the route of day that now gets underway at 12.30 CET. Simone Giuliani has more details here .

After yesterday's queen stage, today's 6th stage will start at 12.30 pm in Chur instead of La Punt. A big thank you to the entire staff for making this last-minute postponement possible! Of course, our thoughts are also with Gino Mäder and his family! Stay strong Gino!❤️ pic.twitter.com/gpYaY25nCv June 16, 2023

Mattias Skjelmose (Trek-Segafredo) regained yellow yesterday but it's still very tight atop the overall standings, with Felix Gall (AG2R Citroen) second at 8 seconds, and yesterday's winner, a resurgent Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates), third at 18 seconds. Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep), meanwhile, remains firmly in the hunt given the time trial on the final day. The top 10 is as follows:

Gino Mäder, 1997-2023

Bahrain Victorious have announced the death of Gino Mäder following his crash on yesterday's stage.

"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of Gino Mäder. On Friday 16th June, following a very serious crash during stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse, Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained. 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.

"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.

"Managing Director Milan Erzen commented this morning:” "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. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. 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.

"Gino’s family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss, and we kindly ask that their wishes be respected. The team and family express our gratitude for the overwhelming support we have received from the whole cycling world.

"Gino, thank you for the light, the joy, and the laughs you brought us all, we will miss you as a rider and as a person.

"Today and every day, we ride for you, Gino."

Today's stage has been delayed until further notice following the tragic news. I don't see how the riders who raced alongside Gino Mäder yesterday can possibly be expected to climb on their bikes and compete this afternoon.  

We are heartbroken! Gino you've been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person! Always smilling and making people happy arround you! Rest in peace! Our thoughts are with Gino's family!Below you can find the official statement of @BHRVictorious pic.twitter.com/hqLF8FF5nQ June 16, 2023

In loving memory and deep gratitude for Gino Mäder. You touched our lives, and your presence will forever be cherished. Rest in peace. 🙏 June 16, 2023

🙏🏻 Gino, thank you for the light, the joy, and the laughs you brought us all, we will miss you as a rider and as a person.❤️ Today and every day, we ride for you, Gino.🔗 https://t.co/CSx5BsWfRz pic.twitter.com/caBmfmWwyg June 16, 2023

The race organisation has confirmed that today's stage of the Tour de Suisse has been neutralised. The peloton will ride the final 30km of the route together in memory of Gino Mäder, as per the wishes of his family. “The peloton will ride the final 30km," said the Tour de Suisse organisation. "The race will be neutralised today and all the riders will form a cortege in memory of Gino Mäder as they ride to the finish line.”

Tour de Suisse race director Olivier Senn: “We’re all devasted – the organisers, the teams, the riders, everybody. What happened is really terrible and it’s difficult for me to speak because Gino was a wonderful person who didn’t deserve to leave this world in this way. Everybody knew him and everybody loved him. We won’t race today but we want to remember him and pay tribute to him by riding the finale of the stage. We’ll all ride together as a group to the finish line in memory of Gino.”

This is how we will always remember you❤️ With a big smile on your face! The peloton will ride the last 20 kilometres of today's course neutralised in honour of Gino Mäder. Expected finish in Oberwil-Lieli is 16.40h..We ride for you Gino❤️ pic.twitter.com/B27VmMqpuz June 16, 2023

The peloton is expected begin riding the neutralised final 20km of the stage at 16.00 CET, reaching the finish line in Oberwil-Lieli at 16.40

Gino Mäder was an undoubted talent on the bike, as his stage win at the 2021 Giro d’Italia and his fifth-place finish at that year’s Vuelta a España’s testified, but it was his immense human qualities that left the greatest impression on all who met him. His interviews, both in races and away from them, were testament to a range of interests that extended far beyond the bike, with a particular emphasis on environmental issues.

Professional cycling has a tendency to take itself very seriously – too seriously – at times, but Mäder’s freewheeling attitude always felt like an antidote to all that. A sense of fun pervaded his every act on a bike and his every utterance off it. His enthusiasm for cycling and, above all, for the people he met through the sport was obvious, and his death has sparked a sincere outpouring of grief from his peers and from all those who watched him race.

The Tour de Suisse peloton is currently pedalling gently towards the finish line in Oberwil-Lieli, united in remembrance of the late Gino Mäder. The riders, many of whom are donning black armbands, are taking it in turns to pedal at the head of the bunch. We imagine that Mäder's Bahrain Victorious teammates will lead the peloton across the finish line. 

As well as the poignant, rolling eulogy to Gino Mäder currently unfolding on the road to Oberwil-Lieli, many more tributes have been paid from the peloton and from across cycling to the late rider in the hours since his tragic death at the age of 26.  

Bahrain Victorious lead the peloton up a short climb, to hushed but heartfelt applause from the spectators gathered at the roadside. 

We ride for you Gino!❤️.#tds2023 #tourdesuisse #rip @BHRVictorious pic.twitter.com/fyt3eF1LCf June 16, 2023

The Bahrain Victorious riders and team cars have moved to the very head of the peloton as they enter the final kilometre of this tribute to Gino Mäder.

The only sound at the finish is of gentle applause as first the Bahrain Victorious riders and then the rest of the peloton cross the finish line. Some of the Bahrain riders raise a hand to acknowledge the outpouring of sympathy from the roadside. Pello Bilbao points to the sky in memory of his friend and teammate.  

We have, sadly, witnessed other rolling memorials like this over the years. Motorola led the peloton over the line in Pau at the 1995 Tour de France in memory of Fabio Casartelli. Leopard Trek and Tyler Farrar paid a similar tribute to Wouter Weylandt in Livorno on the 2011 Giro d’Italia. Lotto Soudal led the Tour de Pologne peloton to the finish in Kocierz following Bjorg Lambrecht’s death in 2019. On each of these sorrowful occasions, the solidarity of the peloton has been deeply affecting and beyond the description of mere words.

🇨🇭 #Tourdesuisse In honour of Gino! @tds #RideAsOne pic.twitter.com/3jX6WD4BFq June 16, 2023

In the saddest imaginable circumstances, yellow jersey Mattias Skjelmose put the peloton's day into words. "I’m sad. It was really weird to be on the bike today. It hit me really hard when I saw only six Bahrain riders going over the line together. That was something really pushing me to the limit emotionally," said Skjelmose. 

Like most at the Tour de Suisse, he hasn't had time to give any consideration to whether the race should proceed this weekend.

"For now, we only did 20k neutralised and I think that was right because Gino’s parents wanted it," he said. "I don’t know what’s happening in the next days. And I’m not sure how I really feel about it myself. Right now I just want to go home and sleep."

Gino Mäder’s mother Sandra followed today's memorial ride from a Bahrain Victorious team car, and she was consoled by many of the rider's colleagues and friends when they reached the finish line.  

Race director Olivier Senn has indicated that no decision has yet been taken over the continuation of the Tour de Suisse. "Today it's all about Gino," he said, according to Blick. "I spoke to his parents. They don't want us to be sad. We will conduct the discussions as to whether and how to proceed. But we won't push anything."

Olivier Senn has since spoken in a press conference at the finish. “It was a very intense last hour and really hard to take in the sitation," he said. "It was truly a beautiful celebration in memory of Gino, even though it was definitely the hardest day of my life and the hardest hour of my life. You never think of that when you run the race. It’s all adrenaline and full gas to the finish and now it was completely the opposite.

“I think it’s really important that we keep Gino in a positive memory. He was a happy rider and an open rider, an intelligent person who thought beyond cycling. This is what we should keep in memory. I certainly will and I hope the cycling world will as well.”

Senn confirmed that no decision has been taken over whether the race will continue. Discussion will take place in the next hours with the UCI, CPA and AIGCP, though a final decision might not arrive until tomorrow morning. 

"Regarding tomorrow and the next stages, we will start the discussions after this," Senn said. "It’s not a simple decision. There’s a lot of people involved who are very moved by the situation: riders, team members and our staff. Everybody knew him well. 

"We will have to discuss if it’s at all possible to organise a race, and if our staff is up for it. We will certainly not push it through just because we want to or have to. We will do it if everyone wants it, if everyone is fit and if the mindset is the right one to produce a safe race tomorrow and the day after. 

"We will also discuss with the UCI, the AIGCP and the UCI on what we’re going to do. It will be an open discussion. We will take a common decision. It’s not just our decision but a decision of all the parties. Those discussions will take place in the next hours and maybe the decision will only be tomorrow morning. We don’t know yet."

Alasdair Fotheringham has written this obituary for the late Gino Mäder . He was a rider and a man apart. "The results were only ever a small part of the story," Alasdair writes. "As Friday's outpouring of grief and sadness has shown, it is Gino Mäder the person, the rider who always looked beyond himself and to the world beyond cycling, who will be missed the most." 

A full account of the Tour de Suisse peloton's tribute to Gino Mäder is available here .

Stefan Küng paid this tribute to Gino Mäder in an interview with L’Équipe TV. The Swiss rider was among the first to seek out Heidi Mäder and offer his condolences at the finish line. “I knew him well, given that he was a Swiss pro rider and there aren’t so many of us,” Küng said. “I don’t really have any words, my thoughts are just with his family and his loved ones. Gino was just a marvellous guy, he was very courteous and very empathetic. He often thought of others and he know he was privileged to be able to do this sport. He was just a very good person.”

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Mader dies after ravine crash on Tour de Suisse

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Tour de Suisse winner Skjelmose dedicates title to Mäder, who died Friday after crashing

Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose holds the trophy as he celebrates on the podium after winning the Tour de Suisse, during the eighth and final stage, a 25,7 km individual time trial, from St. Gallen to Abtwil, at the 86th Tour de Suisse cycling race, in Abtwil, Sunday, June 18, 2023. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)

Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose crosses the finish line to win the Tour, during the eighth and final stage, a 25,7 km individual time trial, from St. Gallen to Abtwil, at the 86th Tour de Suisse cycling race, in Abtwil, Switzerland, Sunday, June 18, 2023. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)

Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose reacts after winning the Tour de Suisse, during the eighth and final stage, a 25,7 km individual time trial, from St. Gallen to Abtwil, at the 86th Tour de Suisse cycling race, in Abtwil, Sunday, June 18, 2023. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)

Spain’s Juan Ayuso pedals during the eighth and final stage of the 86th Tour de Suisse cycling race, a 25,7 km individual time trial, from St. Gallen to Abtwil, in Abtwil, Sunday, June 18, 2023. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)

Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose, left, winner of the 86th Tour de Suisse cycling race, celebrates on the podium with third-placed Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, after the eighth and final stage, a 25,7 km individual time trial, from St. Gallen to Abtwil, in Abtwil, Sunday, June 18, 2023. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)

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ABTWIL, Switzerland (AP) — Two days after the death of Gino Mäder from injuries suffered in a crash at the Tour de Suisse, Mattias Skjelmose dedicated his race victory Sunday to the Swiss rider.

Skjelmose maintained his lead in the overall standings and finished just nine seconds ahead of 20-year-old Juan Ayuso, who was fastest in the closing time trial.

“I wanted to win for Gino, I think everyone today raced for him,” Skjelmose said. “Everyone I spoke to said he was the most wonderful person you could ever imagine.”

Mäder went off the road and crashed down a ravine on a fast descent near the end of Thursday’s mountainous fifth stage. He was airlifted to a hospital.

The 26-year-old Swiss rider’s death was announced less than an hour before the scheduled start of Friday’s stage, which was canceled.

On Saturday, three teams including Mäder’s Bahrain-Victories declined to continue and the stage was raced as a tribute to him.

Ayuso won the 25.7-kilometer (16-mile) time trial Sunday from St. Gallen to Abtwil after briefly holding a virtual lead over Skjelmose. Ayuso finished eight seconds ahead of Remco Evenepoel and nine seconds quicker than Skjelmose.

Evenepoel moved up to third place overall and at age 23 the Belgian world champion was the oldest rider on the podium.

The eight-day Tour de Suisse is one of the last preparation races for next month’s Tour de France.

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Gino mäder, olympic cyclist from switzerland, dies after tour de suisse crash.

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VILLARS-SUR-OLLON, SWITZERLAND - MAY 01: Gino Mader of Switzerland and Team Bahrain Victorious takes the pose for a picture after press conference after the 75th Tour De Romandie 2022 - Stage 5 on May 1, 2022 in Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Basile Barbey/Getty Images,)

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Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died Friday, one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse, the Bahrain-Victorious team said.

The 26-year-old Mäder crashed on a fast downhill road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage into La Punt.

“Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained,” the team said in a statement. “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 11:30 a.m. we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.”

Medical staff who reached Mäder found him motionless in water. They performed CPR before he was airlifted to the hospital.

“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,” Bahrain-Victorious said.

The Tour de Suisse is a preparation race ahead of next month’s Tour de France.

Mäder’s death was announced about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage in the eight-day race. The start was delayed and riders gathered in a silent tribute.

The route for Thursday’s stage was later criticized by world champion Remco Evenepoel , who finished 10th and is fourth in the overall standings.

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

A second rider also crashed at the same spot. Magnus Sheffield of the United States sustained a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital.

Mäder was one of Switzerland’s best young riders. He won a stage at the 2021 Giro d’Italia and placed fifth overall in the Spanish Vuelta that year after placing 74th in the Olympic road race. He also was fifth in the Paris-Nice stage race in March.

“We are heartbroken,” Tour de Suisse organizers said in a statement. “Gino, you’ve been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person. Always smiling and making people happy around you.”

Mäder was asked on Sunday at the race finish by a reporter what would make him happy at the end of the week-long race.

“If I’m still healthy and I enjoy my home race, maybe have some success with the team,” Mäder had said.

Team manager Milan Erzen praised the rider, saying his “talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all.”

“Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist,” Erzen said, “but a great person off the bike.”

Cyclist Gino Mäder dies after ravine crash during Tour de Suisse

Swiss rider Gino Mäder has died after crashing into a ravine on the descent towards the finish line in Thursday's stage five of the Tour de Suisse, his team Bahrain Victorious said on Friday.

Key points:

• The crash took place on the descent towards La Punt where Gino Mäder fell into a ravine
• He was found unresponsive and resuscitated before being air-lifted to the hospital
• Team managing director Milan Erzen said the team would continue the race in honour of Mäder

"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 11:30 am we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team," the team said.

Mäder, 26, crashed on the descent towards La Punt and fell into a ravine where he was found unresponsive by the race doctor and resuscitated before being air-lifted to hospital.

A second rider also crashed at the same spot. Magnus Sheffield of the United States sustained a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital.

In a statement, team 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. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time."

Mr Erzen said the team would continue in the race in honour of Mäder.

"We are determined to show the spirit and passion Gino displayed, and he will always remain an integral part of our team," he said.

Mäder 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.

Mäder was asked on Sunday at the race finish by a reporter what would make him happy at the end of the week-long race.

"If I’m still healthy and I enjoy my home race, maybe have some success with the team," Mäder had said.

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."

Stage five of the Tour de Suisse had raised some eyebrows in the peloton because of its fast descent near the finish.

After the accident, Belgium's world champion Remco Evenepoel said on Twitter: "I hope that the final of today's stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders. While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn't a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent."

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Swiss cyclist dies after fall into ravine during Tour de Suisse

Gino Mäder, 26, dies from injuries a day after crashing and falling down a ravine during the Tour de Suisse race.

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder has died after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse, according to his team Bahrain-Victorious.

The 26-year-old Mäder crashed on Thursday on a fast downhill road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage into La Punt.

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“Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained,” the team said in a statement on Friday.

“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 11:30 a.m. we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.”

Medical staff who reached Mäder found him motionless in water. They performed CPR before he was airlifted to the hospital.

“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,” Bahrain-Victorious said.

The Tour de Suisse is a preparation race before next month’s Tour de France.

Mäder’s death was announced about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage in the eight-day race. The start was delayed and riders gathered in a silent tribute.

‘Dangerous descent’

The route for Thursday’s stage was later criticised by world champion Remco Evenepoel, who finished 10th and is fourth in the overall standings.

“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,” the Belgian cyclist said on his Twitter account.

American rider Magnus Sheffield also fell on the same descent from Albula, during the most difficult stage of the race with multiple climbs.

The Ineos-Grenadiers rider was hospitalised with “bruises and concussion,” organisers said.

Mäder was one of Switzerland’s best young riders. He won a stage at the 2021 Giro d’Italia and placed fifth overall in the Spanish Vuelta that year. He also was fifth in the Paris-Nice stage race in March.

“We are heartbroken,” Tour de Suisse organisers said in a statement. “Gino, you’ve been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person. Always smiling and making people happy around you.”

Mäder was asked by a reporter on Sunday at the race finish what would make him happy at the end of the week-long race.

“If I’m still healthy and I enjoy my home race, maybe have some success with the team,” Mäder had said.

Team manager Milan Erzen praised the rider, saying his “talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all.”

“Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist,” Erzen said, “but a great person off the bike.”

Swiss Cyclist Gino Mäder Dies After Falling Down a Ravine in the Tour De Suisse

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder has died one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse

Massimo Paolone

Gino Mader waits for the start of the 7th stage of the Giro d'Italia, Tour of Italy cycling race, in Notaresco, Italy, on May 14, 2021. Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died Friday, June 16, 2023 one day after suffering injuries when he crashed off the road down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse. (Massimo Paolone/LaPresse via AP)

GENEVA (AP) — Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died Friday, one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the Tour de Suisse.

The 26-year-old Mäder crashed after a left-hand turn on a fast downhill road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage into La Punt. His fall of about 30 meters was stopped by a stream.

“Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained,” his Bahrain-Victorious team said in a statement. “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 11:30 a.m. we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team."

Medical staff who reached Mäder found him motionless in the water, race organizers said Thursday. CPR was performed on him before he was airlifted to the hospital.

“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,” Bahrain-Victorious said.

Police in the Swiss canton of Graubünden said a joint investigation with prosecutors wanted to hear from witnesses who might have seen and filmed the incident.

The Tour de Suisse is a preparation race for next month's Tour de France.

Mäder's death was announced about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage in the eight-day race. The start was delayed and riders gathered in a silent tribute before the stage was canceled.

The peloton rode together in tribute to Mäder for the final 30 kilometers (18 miles) of Friday's scheduled route. The race should resume Saturday.

“Devastated by the news," said world champion Remco Evenepoel, who is in fourth place in the race standings. "My heart and strength is with Gino’s family, friends, teammates.”

Evenepoel earlier criticized Thursday's stage after finishing the day in 10th place.

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

A second rider also crashed at the same spot. Magnus Sheffield of the United States sustained a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital.

In previous incidents, Belgian rider Wouter Weylandt was killed in a crash on a descent at the Giro d'Italia in May 2011. Another Belgian rider, Antoine Demoitié, died after crashing at the one-day Gent-Wevelgem race in March 2016.

Mäder was one of Switzerland's best young riders. He won a stage at the 2021 Giro and placed fifth overall in the Spanish Vuelta that year. He also was fifth in the Paris-Nice stage race in March.

“We are heartbroken," Tour de Suisse organizers said in a statement. "Gino, you’ve been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person. Always smiling and making people happy around you.”

Mäder was asked on Sunday by a reporter at the race finish what would make him happy at the end of the week-long race. “If I’m still healthy and I enjoy my home race, maybe have some success with the team,” Mäder had said.

Team manager Milan Erzen praised the rider, saying his “talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all.”

“Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist,” Erzen said, "but a great person off the bike.”

More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Copyright 2023 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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News | Swiss cyclist Gino Mader dies after falling…

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News | Swiss cyclist Gino Mader dies after falling down a ravine in the Tour de Suisse

Swiss cyclist gino mäder has died one day after crashing and falling down a ravine during a descent at the tour de suisse.

The 26-year-old Mäder crashed after a left-hand turn on a fast downhill road approaching the end of the mountainous fifth stage into La Punt. His fall of about 30 meters was stopped by a stream.

“Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained,” his Bahrain-Victorious team said in a statement. “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 11:30 a.m. we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.”

Medical staff who reached Mäder found him motionless in the water, race organizers said Thursday. CPR was performed on him before he was airlifted to the hospital.

“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,” Bahrain-Victorious said.

Police in the Swiss canton of Graubünden said a joint investigation with prosecutors wanted to hear from witnesses who might have seen and filmed the incident.

The Tour de Suisse is a preparation race for next month’s Tour de France.

Mäder’s death was announced about 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the sixth stage in the eight-day race. The start was delayed and riders gathered in a silent tribute before the stage was canceled.

The peloton rode together in tribute to Mäder for the final 30 kilometers (18 miles) of Friday’s scheduled route. The race should resume Saturday.

“Devastated by the news,” said world champion Remco Evenepoel, who is in fourth place in the race standings. “My heart and strength is with Gino’s family, friends, teammates.”

Evenepoel earlier criticized Thursday’s stage after finishing the day in 10th place.

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

A second rider also crashed at the same spot. Magnus Sheffield of the United States sustained a concussion and bruises and was treated at a local hospital.

In previous incidents, Belgian rider Wouter Weylandt was killed in a crash on a descent at the Giro d’Italia in May 2011. Another Belgian rider, Antoine Demoitié, died after crashing at the one-day Gent-Wevelgem race in March 2016.

Mäder was one of Switzerland’s best young riders. He won a stage at the 2021 Giro and placed fifth overall in the Spanish Vuelta that year. He also was fifth in the Paris-Nice stage race in March.

“We are heartbroken,” Tour de Suisse organizers said in a statement. “Gino, you’ve been an excellent rider but even more a wonderful person. Always smiling and making people happy around you.”

Mäder was asked on Sunday by a reporter at the race finish what would make him happy at the end of the week-long race. “If I’m still healthy and I enjoy my home race, maybe have some success with the team,” Mäder had said.

Team manager Milan Erzen praised the rider, saying his “talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to us all.”

“Not only was he an extremely talented cyclist,” Erzen said, “but a great person off the bike.”

More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Gino Mäder, Swiss road cyclist, dies at age of 26 after crash at Tour de Suisse

• Mäder taken to hospital on Thursday after crash on descent
• Bahrain-Victorious pay tribute to ‘shining light of our team’

The Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder, a former Giro d’Italia stage winner , has died at the age of 26 after crashing into a ravine at the Tour de Suisse on Thursday.

The Bahrain Victorious rider was airlifted to a hospital in Chur after being resuscitated by medical staff, having left the road on the Albula Pass as the race descended to La Punt during the fifth stage. The American Magnus Sheffield, of Ineos Grenadiers, was also involved and taken to hospital with concussion.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of Gino Mäder,” a statement from Bahrain Victorious said on Friday. “On Friday 16 June, following a very serious crash during stage five of the Tour de Suisse, Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained. Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino’s family and loved ones.

“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.”

Friday’s stage six was cancelled, with riders completing a 20km neutralised route in memory of Mäder. Fans at the roadside held up flowers as six Bahrain Victorious riders rode in formation, crossing the finish line in Oberwil-Lieli together, as the peloton followed behind and the crowd applauded.

“We’re heartbroken,” the race director, Olivier Senn, said before the ceremonial ride. “The whole organisation, the teams, the riders. It’s just devastating what happened. It’s really hard to put into words. We just stood together with all the teams and riders in memory of Gino.

“Gino was a fantastic rider and an excellent human,” Senn added. “He was really a good person and doesn’t deserve to leave the world like this. Today it’s about him, and no one else.”

Bahrain Victorious’s managing director, Milan Erzen, said: “We are devastated by the loss of our exceptional cyclist … 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.”

Mäder won stage six of the 2021 Giro after emerging on top following a breakaway on the 160km stage from Grote di Frasassi to San Giacomo.

On Thursday evening the world champion, Remco Evenepoel of Soudal Quick-Step, criticised the Tour de Swiss race organisers’ choice of route, while urging fellow riders to exercise caution. “I hope that the final of today’s stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders,” Evenepoel wrote on Twitter.

“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.”

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American teen falls more than 300 feet to her death while hiking in Switzerland

By Caitlin O'Kane

Updated on: June 11, 2024 / 10:53 AM EDT / CBS News

A teenager from America fell to her death while hiking with a friend's family in western Switzerland on Monday,  the country's Valais district police announced.

The incident occurred when the American family and their daughter's friend went hiking on the "Gorges Mystérieuses" trail on Monday morning. The 16-year-old fell about 100 meters – roughly 328 feet – down an embankment.

Rescue services, including two helicopters, were deployed and the teen's body was recovered from the riverbed of Le Trient river, which is near the French border. The father of the family, who tried to rescue the teen himself, was stuck on a rock and was evacuated by rescue workers. 

The father was unharmed and it is still unclear why the teen fell to her death. The incident is being investigated by the public prosecutor's office. 

The identities of the teen and family have not been made public. CBS News has reached out to the police department for further information and is awaiting response. 

Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

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American Tourist, 16, Dead After Falling Over 300 Feet from Popular Walking Trail in Switzerland

P olice said the girl was walking with a group along the “Gorges Mystérieuses” trail in the Tête-Noire gorge near the Trient River on June 9

Authorities in Switzerland say an American teenager has died after falling more than 300 feet while sightseeing.

The 16-year-old girl was hiking with a friend and the friend's family in Valais just after 10:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 9, when she "stumbled" and fell about 100 meters (328 feet) down an embankment, according to a French-language news release from Valais police, translated by both CBS and NBC News .

Police said the group was walking along the popular “Gorges Mystérieuses” trail in the Tête-Noire gorge near the Trient River when the incident occurred.

Per NBC News, "two helicopter crews, two regional rescue teams and emergency psychologists" all responded to the scene. Rescuers eventually found the teen’s body in a riverbed below the trail. Authorities have not released her identity.

Related: California Man Dead After Falling 300 Feet Off Cliff While Hiking with Wife Along Oregon Coast

Police said the friend’s father was also rescued after getting stuck on a rock wall while attempting to save the teen. He was not injured.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. It is unclear how the girl stumbled and fell from the trail.

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Created in 1884, the Tête-Noire pathway features 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) of walkways and bridges that lead to the bottom of the gorge, where visitors can find waterfalls and a hidden grotto, according to the Swiss government’s tourism website .

The return path is a centuries-old international trade route that connects Martigny in Switzerland and Chamonix in France.

Related: Motorcyclist Dead After Crashing Into Concrete Barrier and Falling 30 Feet Off Bridge

Sunday’s incident occurred in the same canton where another American teen died in April after the 15-year-old was caught in an avalanche near the Swiss Alpine ski resort of Zermatt.

Two other people were reportedly also killed in the April incident, and a 20-year-old Swiss man was seriously injured.

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Read the original article on People .