Earlier today Team Bahrain-Victorious made the sad announcement that its 26-year-old Swiss rider Giro Mäder had passed away following a severe accident that took place at high speed during a descent in the final part of yesterday’s stage 5 of Tour de Suisse 2023.

On Thursday, June 16 Mäder was involved in a serious crash together with Ineos-Grenadiers rider Magnus Sheffield at kilometer 197 of stage 5 of Tour de Suisse 2023. The accident occurred at a very high speed on the descent from the Albula Pass.

According to the race organizer, the race doctor was at the scene within two minutes of the incident. Sheffield was responsive but suffered a concussion. Mäder, however, lay motionless in the water, but was resuscitated and transported by Air Ambulance to the hospital in Chur. 

The team issued the following statement following Mäder’s death:

“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.

Bahrain-Victorious 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.”

In his cycling career Mäder won a stage of Giro d’Italia 2021, a stage of Tour de Suisse 2021, finished fifth in the general classification of La Vuelta a Espana 2021, finished second in the general classification of Tour de Romandie 2022, and finished fifth in the general classification of this year’s Paris-Nice.

All employees at Roadcycling.com are deeply saddened to learn the news about Mäder’s death and we direct our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.