The organizers of the Tour de Suisse, which begins this Sunday in Vaduz (Liechtenstein), have decided, in consultation with the family of Gino Mäder, to name the Swiss rider at the highest point of the race. “The roof of the Tour will now be called the #rideforgino Mountain Grand Prix and there will be a special prize up for grabs for the best climber. Gino will thus remain forever linked to the Tour de Suisse”announced event director Olivier Senn.
Gino Mäder, climber for the Bahrain team, died on June 16, 2023 at the age of 26 following a violent exit from the road the day before during the descent of the Albula pass, in the heart of the valley of the Upper Engadine. Found inert in a ravine, resuscitated on the spot, Mäder succumbed to his injuries the next day.
The organizers of the Tour de Suisse also announced that bib 44, which he was wearing during his accident, would no longer be allocated in the Tour de Suisse. This year, the highest peak of the event, the final preparation for the Tour de France, was to be the Col du Nufenen, at an altitude of 2,478 m, which the riders would have had to cross on Friday June 14, during the stage -queen, but the race direction has already planned to plan it because of the weather.
A Gino Mäder cycling outing will also be organized on June 16, between Aigle and Villars, and special socks will be available for sale. The profits will be entirely donated to Gino Mäder’s association, which was very committed to defending the environment.
