Swiss cyclist Gino Mader has died at the age of 26 following a high-speed crash at the Tour de Suisse, his team Bahrain Victorious have announced.
During Thursday's fifth stage from Fiesch to La Punt, Mader fell into a ravine during the final descent of the race, only a few minutes after the USA's Magnus Sheffield had also crashed in the same location.
Sheffield escaped with a concussion and bruising, while Mader was found unconscious in a body of water and resuscitated at the scene before being airlifted to Chur hospital.
Despite the efforts of the "phenomenal" team at the hospital, Mader lost his life on Friday morning, with Bahrain Victorious saying in a statement: "It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce the passing of Gino Mader.
"On Friday 16 June, following a very serious crash during stage five of the Tour de Suisse, Gino lost his battle to recover from the severe injuries he sustained. Our entire team is devastated by this tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers are with Gino's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
"Despite the best efforts of the phenomenal staff at Chur hospital, Gino couldn't make it through this, his final and biggest challenge, and at 11:30am we said goodbye to one of the shining lights of our team.
"Gino was an extraordinary athlete, an example of determination, a valued member of our team and the whole cycling community. His talent, dedication, and passion for the sport has inspired us all."
Mader's notable results in Grand Tour events included a fifth-placed finish at the 2021 Vuelta a Espana - where he donned the white jersey as the best young rider - the same year that he won stage six of the Giro d'Italia.
Ben Knapton
