Tour of Switzerland to Continue Following Tragic Death of Gino Maeder
Key Highlights :
The cycling world was rocked on Friday when Swiss cyclist Gino Maeder passed away after falling into a ravine during the downhill finale of the fifth stage of the Tour of Switzerland. Despite the tragedy, organisers have decided to continue with the final two stages of the tour.
The 26-year-old Maeder's death was met with shock and sadness throughout the cycling community. Team Bahrain Victorious, the team Maeder rode for, withdrew from the Tour of Switzerland, saying in a statement: "Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident."
Tributes poured in from all corners of the cycling world, with two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar leading them. He posted on Instagram: "Rest in peace (heart icon) I will miss you," and his fellow Slovenian and recently-crowned Giro d'Italia winner Primoz Roglic tweeted: "Speechless."
In honour of Maeder, the elite World Tour road racing teams and riders took part in a 20km memorial ride instead of racing stage six. After an emotional day, race director Olivier Senn decided in consultation with Maeder's family, the teams and riders, and the entire staff of the tour to continue with the Tour of Switzerland.
"Today was the worst day of my life. But tomorrow is a new day and that's what we have to take care of as an organisation," Senn said. The Tour of Switzerland will continue as planned, with the final two stages being raced in memory of Maeder.
