A race that began with the exciting emergence of several great young talents, was overwhelmed by the tragic death of another, Gino Mäder. The Swiss rider, just 26 years old, crashed on the descent of the Albulapass during stage five, and his death was announced around midday the following day.
Cycling world mourns Gino Mäder
The news of Mäder’s death shocked the cycling world, and united everyone in grieving together during the final few days.
In this outpouring of grief came many tributes to Mäder as a person. As well as being a popular personality in the peloton, he was celebrated in particular for his charity and social conscience, with a particular interest in environmentalism and climate change. At the 2021 Vuelta a España he raised thousands for the African re-greening charity Just Diggit after pledging to donate €10 for every rider he finished ahead of in the general classification, and €1 for every rider he finished ahead of per stage.
That Vuelta was also his breakthrough as a stage race contender, when, competing in just his third Grand Tour and at the age of just 24, he placed fifth overall.
Bahrain Victorious cross the line in tribute to Mäder on stage six of the Tour de Suisse (Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
His Bahrain-Victorious teammates withdrew from the Tour de Suisse after his death, as did Tudor Pro Cycling and Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, plus many other individuals from other teams who understandably did not feel in the right frame of mind to race.
The race continued under this dark shadow. On the day of his death, stage six was neutralised, with the riders riding the final 20km of the planned stage in his honour. The GC was neutralised for the final 25km of stage seven, won by Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick-Step). He dedicated his win to Mäder.
The race then finished with a final time trial taking place as originally planned, and which was raced competitively for the overall victory between Evenepoel, Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) and Mattias Skjelmose (Trek-Segafredo) doing battle. Ayuso took the stage, while Skjelmose held on to the GC.
Skjelmose wins the GC
Mäder’s passing was all the more painful for occurring during a race in which so much young talent flourished.
While the first few days were an exciting showcase for some emerging stars of the new generation coming through, Mäder’s fate was a reminder of just how vulnerable these young men and women are in such a dangerous sport.
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