Swiss Cyclist Gino Mäder Dies After High-Speed Crash at Tour de Suisse

Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder died after a high-speed crash that occurred in the Tour de Suisse on Thursday. He was 26 years old. Bahrain Victorious, his cycling team, confirmed Mäder’s death in an official statement.

“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.” 

The crash itself occurred Thursday, when Mäder’s bike collided with Magnus Sheffield, a 21-year-old from the United States. The incident took place during stage 5 of the race on the descent of the Albula Pass, according to the BBC. Mäder fell into a ravine after being thrown from his bike and had to be resuscitated at the scene before being airlifted to a hospital in Chur, Switzerland.

At the time of the crash, both cyclists were traveling in excess of 60 miles per hour according to data from Sheffield’s Strava account, per the New York Post. Sheffield was treated at a local hospital for a concussion and bruising.

Friday’s stage 6 was canceled, according to a report from the BBC, but the riders planned to finish the final 18 miles together in Mäder’s honor.