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And then it’s time to talk. After crossing the finish line in Abtwil, Stefan Bissegger (24) lets his emotions run wild. He is drenched in sweat, exhausted, a thread of saliva hanging from his chin. For the first time after the death of Gino Mäder († 26) he talks about his feelings. “The past few days have been very difficult. I’ve never had such a hard day on the bike as yesterday. I didn’t feel so good today either. But I had to give everything today. I did – for Gino.”
Bissegger is one of only three Swiss to finish the Tour de Suisse. Twelve had started a week earlier, most of them stopped after the Albula tragedy that killed Mäder. “Gino is still in our thoughts, we miss him very much.”
Bissegger’s performance in the 25.7km time trial at 30 degrees is all the better – the new family man is fourth, losing just 23 seconds to the day’s winner Juan Ayuso (20, Sp). “It was nice to drive home. The fans cheered me on, friends and relatives stood by the side of the road – that was very nice. »
The tears keep coming
Soon Bissegger starts talking about Mäder again. He lost a good colleague, a wonderful person, says de Thurgau. “It wasn’t a fall caused by anything in particular – that makes it all the more difficult to understand. I miss Gino.” The processing process is not yet complete, the European time trial champion emphasizes. The whole is a process. “Waves keep coming, tears keep coming. Now I just want to go home to my family and recharge my batteries.”
Next, Bissegger contests the Swiss championship – first the Thursday time trial in Gansingen AG, then the Sunday road race in Wetzikon ZH. His next big target is the World Time Trial Championships in Glasgow (August 13).
“I’ll Never Be Able To Finish It”
The other two Swiss who finish the Tour de Suisse are also quick to talk about Mäder. “It was physically and emotionally very difficult to ride today. I am happy that this time trial went well and that I can now go to my family,” says Silvan Dillier (32).
Reto Hollenstein (37) is also looking forward to spending time with his loved ones. “It takes time to process what happened,” he says. And adds, “I’ll probably never be able to finish it.”
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
