The Tour de Suisse cycling race resumed its multi-stage competition on Saturday, following a tragic accident that claimed the life of rider Gino Mäder. Mäder, a member of the Bahrain-Victorious team, passed away from injuries sustained during a high-speed mountain descent. In response, Bahrain-Victorious, Tudor Pro, and Intermarché-Circus-Wanty teams decided to withdraw from the race.
The Bahrain-Victorious team and the rest of the competitors were informed of Mäder’s death on Friday morning. To pay tribute, the riders participated in a shortened memorial ride that replaced the canceled stage. However, with the race being an important tune-up for the Tour de France, Bahrain-Victorious confirmed their team’s withdrawal on Saturday.
“Following the tragic loss of Gino Mäder,” the team stated on Twitter, “Team Bahrain Victorious has taken the decision to withdraw from Tour de Suisse.”
Tudor Pro and Intermarché-Circus-Wanty quickly followed suit, citing the well-being of their riders as the reason for dropping out. Tudor Pro expressed their decision to respect the feelings of their riders and pay homage to Gino under these difficult circumstances.
Race officials, in consultation with Mäder’s family, made the decision to continue the race, with a four-stage women’s event beginning as planned. Olivier Senn, the tour’s race director, stated that after consulting all parties involved, they stand united behind the decision to hold the last two stages of the men’s race in an appropriate setting.
“While today was the worst day of my life,” Senn added, “tomorrow is a new day, and that’s what we have to take care of as an organization.”
The police are currently investigating the crash, and they are interested in hearing from witnesses who may have witnessed and filmed the incident.
The accident occurred near the end of the fifth stage, along with American rider Magnus Sheffield. The crash took place on an unprotected road with mountains to its left and a steep drop-off to its right. Photographs of the crash site showed tire tracks leading to the edge of a sharp drop.
Mäder and Sheffield received treatment near a set of drainage pipes on a slope. Sheffield, with a concussion and cuts and bruises, was able to walk back up the hill with assistance. Mäder, initially motionless in the water, was revived at the scene and evacuated by helicopter after receiving medical attention.
Reigning world champion Remco Evenepoel commented on the treacherous nature of the course, suggesting that organizers and riders should consider the risks involved in descending mountains. He made this statement on Twitter before the severity of Mäder’s condition became known.
“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.
Overall, the race will continue, respecting the memory of Gino Mäder and considering the safety of all participants. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks involved in the sport and the importance of prioritizing rider well-being.
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