Swiss cyclist Gino Maeder died of injuries he sustained when he fell into a valley during one of the stages of the Tour of Switzerland, according to what his team “Bahrain-Victorious” announced on Friday.
The 26-year-old Meader fell during the high-speed descent section of Stage 5 between Fish la Pont on Thursday, after a grueling day that saw three ascents of more than 2,000 metres.
Organizers said the cyclist was found “without signs of life in the water” in a ravine below the road, “immediately resuscitated and then airlifted to hospital in Chur”.
“Bahrain-Victorious” said in a statement the next day that “Gino lost his battle to recover from the serious injuries he sustained.”
He added, “Despite the tremendous efforts of the tremendous Khor Hospital staff, Gino was unable to overcome this last and biggest challenge, and at 11:30 am we bid farewell to one of the bright lights of our team.”
“This tragic accident has devastated our entire team, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
In the wake of the death, the tour organizers announced on Friday that the sixth stage of the race between Khor and Oberville-Lille was “neutralised”.
