In honor of Gino Mäder, Tour de Suisse introduces #rideforgino KOM prize at the highest peak of the race

The 2024 edition of Tour de Suisse will attempt to write a new, more optimistic chapter in the race's history, trying to overcome, yet not forget the terrible events of 2023. In honor of the late Gino Mäder, a special KOM prize will be awarded, similarly to Giro d'Italia's Cima Coppi or Tour de France's Souvenir Henri Desgrange, to the first rider to crest the highest point at the year's course. The organization of the Swiss World Tour stage race announced earlier this week.

Mäder crashed on the descent of the Albula Pass last year in the fifth stage to La Punt. After a long resuscitation, the only 26-year-old Swiss was taken to the hospital in Chur, where help was of no avail. The race continued after the sad incident with Mäder, although the sixth stage was completed neutralized. In addition, many riders – including Mäder's teammates – left the race early.

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Mäder's tragic accident will be commemorated in various ways next month during the 87th edition of the Tour de Suisse. "One of Gino's strong points was the high mountains and so together with Gino's family we decided to dedicate the highest point of the race to him," Het Nieuwsblad quotes race director Olivier Senn.

"From this year onwards, the roof of the race will be called the #rideforgino mountain prize, where a special prize will be available to win. Gino will thus forever remain associated with the Tour de Suisse."

The jersey number 44 that Mäder wore during his fateful fall will no longer be issued. In addition, the hashtag #rideforgino will be placed on the leader's jerseys.

And that is not all. On June 16 – exactly one year after Mäder's death – a memorial ride for recreational riders will be held on the route of the final time trial between Aigle and Villars. Special #rideforgino socks are also sold. All proceeds go to the association that was founded to honor the late Mäder.

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