The world of cycling reacted with horror and sadness to the tragic death of Gino Mäder following a high-speed crash at the Tour de Suisse.
The 26-year-old Bahrain Victorious rider crashed into a ravine descending the Albulapass on stage five of the race.
His passing has sent shockwaves reverberating through the sport, and messages of condolence and sympathy flooded through social media.
🙏🏻 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/caBmfmWwygJune 16, 2023
Among the first to offer his condolences was Geraint Thomas, who posted: "I can’t believe what I’m reading. Such a sad sad day. Thoughts with everyone who knew and loved Gino."
The Giro d'Italia, the race where Mäder took his first and only Grand Tour stage win in 2021, said: "Cycling is a big family. Today we all cry for a special boy. Your smile will forever be in our hearts. Ciao Gino."
Head of professional riders' association the CPA, Adam Hansen, wrote: "In loving memory and deep gratitude for Gino Mäder. You touched our lives, and your presence will forever be cherished. Rest in peace."
Swiss Cycling posted: "Our hearts are broken, we have no words. We lose a warm-hearted, wonderful young man. A talented, passionate cyclist, whose laughter was infectious. His commitment extended far beyond cycling. There is no understanding, only pain and numbness."
British Cycling offered: "We’re heartbroken to learn of the death of Gino Mäder, a talented rider who gave so much to our sport. Sending our thoughts and sympathies to his family and friends, and Sending our thoughts and sympathies to his family and friends, and @bahrainvictorious and @swisscycling."
"This is so painful to hear," posted retired sprinting star Marcel Kittel. "My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and teammates. We will all ride for Gino and keep him in our memory!"
World champion Remco Evenepoel, who has spent the week racing alongside Mäder in the Tour de Suisse peloton, wrote: "Devastated by the news. My heart and strength is with Gino's family, friends, teammates... May you rest in peace Gino."
The AG2R Citroen team, also racing at the Tour de Suisse, said: "Our sport, so beautiful and so cruel. Our thoughts go out to Gino Mader's family, friends and team."
Everyone at Cycling Weekly would also like to extend their heartfelt condolences to Gino Mäder's Bahrain Victorious team and all those who were close to him.
