Tudor Pro Cycling and Intermarche Withdraw from Tour of Switzerland Following Cyclist’s Death
The Tour of Switzerland is one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world, attracting top riders from all over the globe. However, this year’s event has been marred by tragedy following the death of Swiss cyclist Gino Maeder. Maeder, who rode for Team Bahrain Victorious, fell into a ravine during the downhill finale of Thursday’s fifth stage and passed away from his injuries on Friday at the age of 26. In response to this tragedy, Tudor Pro Cycling and Intermarche have withdrawn from the race.
Tudor Pro Cycling and Intermarche Withdraw
Tudor Pro Cycling and Intermarche have both announced their withdrawal from the Tour of Switzerland following Maeder’s death. Tudor tweeted that they could not continue racing this year’s tour after careful consideration and talking to both riders and staff. They added that under these difficult circumstances, they feel it is the human way to respect the feelings of their riders and pay respect to Gino. Intermarche also posted on social media that after consultations with their riders and staff, they have decided to withdraw from the Tour of Switzerland. Their priority is to respect the mental health of their riders.
Organizers Decide to Proceed with the Race
Despite the withdrawals, organizers have decided to proceed with the remainder of the race after consulting both the teams and the rider’s family. The cyclists took part in a 20km ride in Maeder’s honor, replacing the sixth stage. The race director Olivier Senn said on Friday that after an emotional day and a very touching ride in memory of Maeder, it was decided in consultation with his family that the Tour of Switzerland will continue. The seventh stage on Saturday was due to take the cyclists on an 184-kilometer ride from Tubach to Weinfelden. The eighth and final stage on Sunday is a 26-km time-trial between St. Gallen and Abtwil.
Tributes Pour in for Maeder
Maeder’s death has sparked many tributes from the cycling community. Two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar posted on Instagram: “Rest in peace (heart icon) I will miss you.” Pogacar’s fellow Slovenian and recently-crowned Giro d’Italia winner Primoz Roglic tweeted: “Speechless.”
Conclusion
The Tour of Switzerland is one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world, attracting top riders from all over the globe. However, this year’s event has been marred by tragedy following the death of Swiss cyclist Gino Maeder. Tudor Pro Cycling and Intermarche have both announced their withdrawal from the race, despite organizers deciding to proceed with the remainder of the event. Maeder’s death has sparked many tributes from the cycling community, with riders paying their respects to a talented and promising young cyclist who was taken too soon.