Maeder honoured as Skjelmose wins Tour of Switzerland

(FILES) Bahrain-Victorious’ Swiss rider Gino Mader reacts after crossing the finish line during the 4th stage of the 81st Paris – Nice cycling race, 165 km between Saint-Amand-Montrond and La Loge des Gardes, central-France, on March 8, 2023. – Swiss Cyclist Gino Maeder dies from injuries after plunging into ravine on Tour of Switzerland, his team announced on June 16, 2023. (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP)

Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose won the Tour of Switzerland on Sunday, two days after the event was plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Swiss rider Gino Maeder.

Skjelmose of Trek-Segafredo embarked on the final day individual time-trial kitted out in the leader’s yellow jersey and although he was beaten on the day by 20-year-old Juan Ayuso did enough to take the overall title.

Team Bahrain Victorious rider Maeder, 26, crashed into a ravine in the downhill finale of Thursday’s fifth stage and was found motionless.

He was resuscitated and airlifted to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

Ayuso of UAE Team Emirates came second overall thanks to his triumph on the same fifth stage were Maeder fell.

Following Maeder’s death the sixth and seventh stages were effectively neutralised.

Maeder’s team however pulled out and were joined by Swiss outfit Tudor and Belgian rivals Intermarche with around 36 riders deciding against racing on.

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