The seventh stage of the Tour de Suisse was held in singular circumstances on Saturday, the day after the announcement of the death of cyclist Gino Mäder. The times in the general classification were neutralized with 25 kilometers from the finish, then the world champion Remco Evenepoel spun to a solo victory. One hand on the heart, the other towards the sky.
The yellow jersey remains on the shoulders of Dane Mattias Skjelmose, of the Trek-Segafredo team, who dictated the pace until the last 25 kilometers. The leaders in the general classification having given themselves the word not to attack earlier.
Quebecers Nickolas Zukowsky (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) and Hugo Houle (Israel–Premier Tech) stayed in the peloton from start to finish. They respectively finished 64e and 92e.
The 26-year-old Swiss Gino Mäder succumbed to his injuries after falling on Thursday in the descent from the Albula Pass. The sixth stage which was scheduled for Friday has been canceled.
“It’s a pretty special day. The organization made its decision taking into account the wishes of the family [de Gino Mäder], who wanted the race to continue. Good to see she respected that,” Zukowsky shared.
“It was less sad and intense than yesterday. We felt a certain solidarity in the peloton, ”described Hugo Houle for his part.
The Bahrain-Victorious formation, of which Mäder was a member, decided to withdraw from this 86e Tour of Switzerland. Finally, three teams and 37 riders did not take the start of the seventh stage, including three of Houle’s teammates at Israel–Premier Tech.
“Each team has its policy and manages the situation as it wishes. We, each rider was free to do what was best for him. Everyone’s decision was respected, and that’s why we started with four runners, ”he said.
hold your elbows
This tragic episode provoked many reactions in the world of cycling, whether it was about the choice of route or the risk-taking of the athletes.
Nickolas Zukowsky, who wore the best climber’s red jersey at the start of the week, spoke above all of an event that is “not easy emotionally”.
The peloton sticks together, we are rivals and colleagues at the same time. I didn’t know him personally, but losing someone who was practically by your side for a few days, it takes some time to digest all that. Everyone handles the situation in their own way and you have to respect that. There are more important things than competition.
Nickolas Zukowski
A 25.7 km time trial will complete the Tour de Suisse on Sunday. Hugo Houle currently occupies the 20e rank in the provisional general classification, while Zukowsky is in 67e place.
Start of the Women’s Tour of Switzerland
Olivia Baril (UAE Team ADQ) and Clara Émond (Arkéa Pro Cycling Team) started the women’s Tour de Suisse on Saturday, with a 56-kilometre stage in Weinfelden.
Barrel, 24e (+ 10 seconds) to cross the finish line, helped her Italian teammate Eleonora Camilia Gasparrini to finish third, with the same time as the Hungarian winner Blanka Vas (SD Worx).
Clara Émond obtained the best result of her team by finishing 48e (+ 1 min 43 s).
The second stage will take place on Sunday between St. Gallen and Abtwil, a 25.7 km individual time trial.