Three teams, including Bahrain-Victorious have left Tour de Suisse after Gino Mäder’s death
Intermarché - Circus - Wanty, Tudor Pro cycling also withdraws team from race
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Team Bahrain-Victorious
On Saturday, Team Bahrain Victorious, Intermarché – Circus – Wanty and Tudor Pro cycling announced they will withdraw from the Tour de Suisse race after the death of Swiss rider Gino Mäder.
Stage 6 was ridden not as a race, but a tribute to the 26-year-old, with cyclists riding the final 20 km neutralized into Oberwil-Lieli. The day was an emotional one, with several riders breaking down during the course of the ride, remembering their fallen friend. Bahrain Victorious wore black patches on their sleeves, and finished at the front of the peloton side by side.
In honour of Gino! @tds #RideAsOne pic.twitter.com/3jX6WD4BFq
— Team Bahrain Victorious (@BHRVictorious) June 16, 2023
At the Tour of Slovenia, a minute of silence was held for Mäder with Bahrain Victorious riders at the front of the group on the start line.
?In remembrance of @maedergino one minute of silence was held at the start of @TourOfSlovenia stage 4.
Team Bahrain Victorious were together on the front row of the peloton. pic.twitter.com/F7CwYGH8q6
— Team Bahrain Victorious (@BHRVictorious) June 17, 2023
Intermarché – Circus – Wanty and Swiss team Tudor Pro Cycling also posted their riders will not start on Saturday. Several other riders have also opted not to start Saturday’s stage.
Following the tragic accident of Gino Mäder, and after discussing with our riders and staff, team Intermarché-Circus-Wanty has decided to withdraw from #TourdeSuisse. Our priority is to respect our riders’ wellbeing.
All our thoughts go to Gino’s family, friends and teammates.
— Intermarché-Circus-Wanty (@IntermarcheCW) June 17, 2023
After careful consideration and talking to both riders and staff, the team decided not to continue racing this year‘s Tour de Suisse. Under these difficult circumstances we feel it is the human way to respect the feelings of our riders and pay respect to Gino. pic.twitter.com/44uALB65fA
— Tudor Pro Cycling Team (@TudorProCycling) June 17, 2023
On Friday, teams, riders, staff and fans paid tribute on social media to Mäder after the devastating news came out. Several people on Twitter were suggesting that the entire race should be cancelled, but on Saturday Stage 7 from Tübach to Weinfelden began as planned, with slight modifications.
Update 7th stage, June 17
Race will happen as planned on normal course and with the normal scheduleTime for GC will be taken at the 25km mark
No bonus seconds will be awarded at the Tissot sprints and at the finish line
All other classification will be raced as normal
— Tour de Suisse (@tds) June 17, 2023
