Today, Thursday, June 19, a memorial to Gino Mäder was unveiled on the Albula Pass before the start of the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse from La Punt to Santa Maria. The emotional inauguration in the presence of around 200 people also marked the launch of the rideforGino association.
The sculpture “connected” by artist Gügi Eugster, Gino Mäder’s uncle, was unveiled in the presence of his family, numerous companions and representatives of all twenty teams taking part in this year’s Tour de Suisse.
Symbolically “Connected”
It was a moving and forward-looking inauguration ceremony. Marc Hirschi and Michael Schär, two long-time and close colleagues, unveiled the sculpture, which symbolizes that despite life and death, everything is “connected” in different ways. The sculpture creates a place of remembrance and hope at the site of the accident. The work is not only a silent witness, but also an expression of the great solidarity that followed Gino’s death.
Presenter Christian Rocha led the inauguration ceremony and spoke on behalf of the family: “We meet here. With respect and gratitude, to the entire cycling family, to the riders association CPA, the Tour de Suisse, the municipality of La Punt and everyone who is here today. Your presence, your sympathy and your condolences mean a lot to us.”
rideforGino association wants to continue Gino Mäder’s commitment
Gino Mäder’s attitude, his convictions and his commitment should live on. This is why the rideforGino association was officially launched during the inauguration. The family is also looking to the future: “The memorial not only symbolizes remembrance, but also a new beginning! A reminder of Gino, the family man, the young professional cyclist and the personality who always took care of his environment and the people around him and had a vision for the important things in life and in our society.”
The rideforGino association aims to inspire and make a difference – in the spirit of Gino’s values. Donations are used to support projects in the areas of sustainability and environmental protection; values that Gino Mäder championed during his lifetime.