"It really haunted me for a while" - Wout Poels remains in contact with family of Gino Mäder

Earlier this year, the cycling world was rocked by the tragic death of Bahrain - Victorious rider Gino Mäder's tragic death at the Tour de Suisse. Whilst everyone in the cycling community was heartbroken, Mäder's teammates were understandably, deeply heartbroken.

Wout Poels, a stage winner at both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana this year, would often spend the off-season training alongside Mäder. "I now ride past many places in Monaco whilst thinking: in the winter I trained here with Gino," Poels opens up to Wielerrevue. "Every time I ride past those places it was a slap in the face. It really haunted me for a while when I trained on those roads. But everything wears out at some point, and the cycling world just keeps going."

Following Mäder's passing, Bahrain - Victorious excelled and their 'Ride for Gino' campaign inspired many positive results, including Poels' two Grand Tour stage wins. "I don't know whether such a dark period can give you strength. But I do think you can be strengthened and rise above yourself," Poels says. "I noticed that myself on the way to Saint Gervais-Mont Blanc when I won my stage. As the finish line approached, I thought about him, among other things."

Having been close to Mäder, the families of Poels and the much-missed Swiss are both still in contact. "I did send his girlfriend a message after his death. I knew her," Poels recalls. "My girlfriend keeps in touch with Gino's mother through those channels. It is a kind of glue to maintain contact."