Gino Mader airlifted to hospital after ‘high speed’ crash at Tour of Switzerland

Gino Mader was airlifted to hospital following a crash towards the end of Stage 5 of the Tour of Switzerland.

Bahrain Victorious rider Mader and Magnus Sheffield of Ineos Grenadiers crashed on the descent off the Albulapass.

“The rider went off the road and fell into a ravine, where he was promptly assisted by the race doctor. Mader was found unresponsive, resuscitated at the scene and then transported by helicopter to Chur Hospital.

“More news about the consequences of the accident will follow after Mader undergoes further examinations.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gino.”

“The race doctor was on the scene of the accident within two minutes. Magnus Sheffield was responsive. He was transported to Samedan hospital with bruises and a concussion.

“Gino Mader lay motionless in the water. He was immediately resuscitated and then transported to Chur hospital by air ambulance.

“The severity of his injuries has not yet been fully clarified.

“An update will be given as soon as new information is available.

“The circumstances of the accident are being clarified.”

World champion Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) was critical of the decision to have the descent at the end of such a punishing stage.

“No one can be satisfied that the race ends after such a dangerous descent,” Evenepoel said. “I heard some guys fell. It would have been better if the finish had been on top.”

He added on Twitter: “I hope all the guys that were involved in a crash are okay.

“I hope that the final of today’s stage is food for thought for both cycling organisers as well as ourselves as riders.

“While a summit finish would have been perfectly possible, it wasn’t a good decision to let us finish down this dangerous descent. As riders, we should also think about the risks we take going down a mountain.

“My thoughts & strength is with Gino Mader and Magnus Sheffield.”