By Can Erozden
ANKARA (AA) - Swiss road cyclist Gino Mader died after a crash during the Tour de Suisse, his team said on Friday. He was 26.
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of Gino Mader. On Friday 16th June, following a very serious crash during stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse, Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained," his team Bahrain Victorious said on Twitter.
"... Our thoughts and prayers are with Gino’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," it added.
The team thanked him for "the light, the joy, and the laughs," adding that "we will miss you as a rider and as a person."
Mader went off the road on the descent of the Albula Pass and fell into a ravine on Thursday. He was resuscitated at the scene before being airlifted to a Chur hospital.
In 2021, Mader won stage six of the Giro d'Italia, one of the Grand Tours in cycling.
In the same year, he also won the white jersey for the best young rider at the Vuelta a Espana.