Top cyclist airlifted to hospital after horror crash left him ‘motionless in water’ before being ‘resuscitated’
CYCLIST Gino Mader was airlifted to hospital after a horrific plunge in a ravine left him “motionless in water” and “needing resuscitation”.
The Swiss star was “seriously injured” in the “bad crash” on the Tour de Suisse, with USA rider Magnus Sheffield also coming off and needing treatment.
Mader’s team Bahrain Victorious say their “thoughts and prayers” are with the 26-year-old.
Cycling News reported the two professional cyclists were treated by paramedics on the scene following the accident descending the Albulapass at the end of stage 5.
Mader and Ineos Grenadiers’ Sheffield both went off the roadside.
Mader’s team said he “fell into a ravine, where he was promptly assisted by the race doctor”.
Bahrain Victorious added: “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.”
Tour de Suisse director Olivier Senn told Swiss broadcasters SRF: “As far as we know, Magnus Sheffield is less seriously injured. Gino Mäder suffered serious injuries, but I can’t go into more detail about them.”
Sheffield suffered concussion and bruising and will remain in hospital on Thursday night.
The Tour de Suisse later issued a statement on the disturbing crash.
It read: “At race kilometre 197 in the descent of the Albula Pass, two riders crashed at very high speed.
“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.”
Mader was being cared for in the Chur hospital in the Alpine region of eastern Switzerland.