Cycling prepares to honour Gino Mader during Velo d'Or awards

On Friday, 6th December, the cycling world will come together to celebrate its most outstanding athletes as the Velo d’Or awards are handed out once again, honouring the best male and female cyclists of 2024. This prestigious event marks a highlight of the cycling calendar, recognising the talent, dedication, and achievements of the sport’s top performers.

This year, however, the ceremony will introduce a heartfelt new tribute: the Gino Mäder Award. Named in memory of Gino Mäder, who tragically passed away last year following a crash during the Tour de Suisse, the award will highlight a different facet of the sport, the social impact made by its athletes.

The Gino Mäder Award is set to honour cyclists who dedicate themselves to social causes and initiatives, acting as inspiring role models within and beyond their sport. Mäder was well-known for his commitment to making a difference, particularly through his environmental advocacy. His passion for a greener planet will be the guiding inspiration for the award.

One poignant example of Mäder’s dedication came after the 2021 Vuelta a España when he donated 4,529 euros to Justdiggit, a non-profit organisation committed to combating climate change through reforestation and greening initiatives in Africa, as reported by Wielerflits. This kind of dedication and selflessness exemplifies the type of initiatives that the Gino Mäder Award aims to recognise.

As the cycling world looks forward to celebrating its champions on December 6th, the introduction of this award ensures that the legacy of Gino Mäder, and the values he stood for, will continue to inspire future generations.