The Tour de Suisse squad of Swiss cyclist Gino Mader, who died after a crash on stage five of the race, has withdrawn from the competition.

Team Bahrain Victorious stated that the decision was made “following the tragic loss” of the 26-year-old.

Mader was in a high-speed crash with American Magnus Sheffield, 21, on the descent of the Albula Pass on Thursday and plunged into a ravine.

He was evacuated to a hospital in Chur but died the next morning.

Gino Mader, 26, died in a stage five crash.
The sixth stage of the Tour de Suisse was canceled on Friday, but the peloton rode the remaining 20 kilometers of the route in Mader’s honor.

Several cyclists wearing black armbands sent condolences to his mother, and many of them consoled one another before, during, and after the ride.

The race organizers stated that “after an emotional day and a very touching ride in memory” of Mader, the competition would proceed for the remaining two stages, which would take place on Saturday and Sunday.

They stated that the decision was made after discussions with Mader’s family, as well as the teams and riders involved, as well as the full Tour de Suisse staff.

Later that day, race director Olivier Senn issued a statement saying, “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.”

Tudor Pro Cycling Team joined Bahrain Victorious in withdrawing from the event on Saturday, tweeting: “After careful consideration and discussions with both riders and staff, the team decided not to race this year’s Tour de Suisse.” Under these trying circumstances, we believe it is only human to honor our riders’ feelings while also paying tribute to Gino.”

The women’s Tour de Suisse will also begin on Saturday as planned.

“The women and all the teams deserve a Tour de Suisse Women,” Senn remarked. We are certain that we can provide a professional and safe competition for the female riders.”

Mader was a track cyclist before becoming a road professional in 2019 and joining Team Bahrain Victorious two years later.

In 2021, he won stage six of the Giro d’Italia and finished first in the Vuelta a Espana’s young rider classification.

“Even if the focus is already back on the implementation of the coming days,” stated a Tour de Suisse statement, “thoughts are with the family of Gino Mader.”