"Not exactly the performance I was hoping for here at the Volta Catalunya. But I'm not giving up hope. Lamborghini used to build tractors, too." Witty. Cheerful. Dreamy. Ironic. These words from Gino Mader taken from Instagram after Catalunya are the way we found to start the story with a smile.
Feelings and social media
Twenty-four hours later the death of the young Swiss man, the cycling world is understandably having a hard time letting him goIt was clear that things weren't going well that evening, from his team's unusually buttoned-up answers. And when Gino's heart stopped beating yesterday morning, first there was disbelief, then the pain took over.And at that point the disputes over the amateurs attacked on the Stelvio seemed ridiculous and empty.
Like every time a rider leaves, the group curled up in an almost fetal positionLittle desire to talk, no interviews: just messages between friends that will remain just that. Yet everyone, each in their own way, found a way to say goodbye to their lost friend on social media. What we offer you is a gallery of posts, as the group wanted to remember that smiling boy, capable of bringing joy and committing himself to the environment with the enthusiasm of a child.
Damian Caruso
«Dear Gino, it was an honor to have you as a teammate, but above all having had the privilege of knowing the wonderful person you were. Intelligent and polite, rational and loyal like few others. Hi Gino, I love you."
Michele Bartoli
«The thing I told you most was, Gino, laugh, you were listening to me here. You always listened to me, the discussion with you was always constructive.Today I am paying with immense pain, but I thank God for having known you and for having been able to build a great relationship with a special person like youHave a good trip Gino, I'll miss you, you can't imagine how much."
Sonny Colbrelli
«You have been a friend, a companion and a motivator when I was in trouble. From today we have one more angel."
Matej Mohoric
"Gino, rest in peace. You will live forever in our hearts. I had so much respect for you. your commitment to make the world a better place for everyone. I will carry this with me today, tomorrow and every day."
Fabian Cancellara
«Rest in peace, Gino. We will miss you, you were special to me for the way I met you. My thoughts are now with his family and loved ones."
Romain Bardet
How. Why. What's left for us now? Our tearful eyes, our devastated thoughts. We are all Gino, hurtling down each descent ever faster, at the limit of balance. Challenging our limits, turn after turn. After all, we've done it 1000 times before. It is dark the day when destiny comes to tear one of our own away from us, A fellow human, a lycra-clad acrobat, with an injustice that tears us apart and no one can repair. Aware of our recklessness only when brutality reaches us and damages us forever. If only the sincerity of our thoughts were enough to comfort those left behind. We do this sport for the thrills, but never to see our family in mourning.. To a star that will never stop shining, Gino."
Francis Villa
"RIP Gino. You were a special guy, I'll never forget our chats on the bus. You'll be missed..."
Alejandro Torralbo
«Go on Gino, now you will run forever and you will be alive in our memories."
Adriano Malori
«Today another very young cyclist died, Gino Mader of the Bahrain Victorious, who fell yesterday on the descent leading to the finish. The reasons? Unknown, and there's no point in looking for them! I can only give my opinion. The organizers must understand that unfortunately cycling has changedRiders are subjected to unimaginable pressure, and bicycles are super-rigid missiles that allow for no mistakes. Today, a pro rider simply needs to gently pedal to reach 35-40 km/h on the flat, and a few meters of downhill are enough to reach 70-80 km/h. This sport has changed 70% in the last 20 years, so the routes must also adapt.
«Therefore I agree with Evenpoel's statements who declared: «It wasn't a smart idea to place the finish line of such a challenging stage at the end of a descent. But obviously there's an ever-increasing need for entertainment. That said, goodbye Gino."
Mark Cavendish
«Absolutely speechless by this devastating news. Friend, we will miss you and your smile that would have lit up the groupSending strength and love to your family, friends, and Team Bahrain Victorious. Rest in peace, Gino.
Ineos Grenadiers
“We are heartbroken to hear about Gino and our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone at Team Bahrain Victorious. Gino was not only a very talented cyclist and a great competitor, he was also an incredible person and a friend to many of us.His absence will be felt by everyone in the group and throughout our sport."
Elke Weylandt
"Speechless. I'm beyond sad to see another family, another group of friends, another team, another group going through this living hell. RIP Gino»
Franco Pellizotti
«Hi Ginetto, I will carry you in my heart forever. Rest in peace".
Fran Miholjevic
"Today I lost a friend. Dear Gino, you were much more than a colleague. You were a friend and a role model. I am grateful and proud of you. having shared with you your last days and the road of your last journey here on earth. Rest in peace".
Brent Copeland
«I've been trying to find the words all day to express my feelings for such a tragic day! It's hard to find the words, but one special thing stood out today and that is how close-knit the cycling community really is, in both good times and badWe may all have our different opinions, but in the end We're all here to support each other and that's something special! RIP Gino! You entertained us in so many special and memorable ways!
