It was a memorable day for Bahrain Victorious at the Tour de Suisse, as Torstein Træen soloed to win from the breakaway, conquering the Gotthard Pass on stage 4, this year’s ‘Queen Stage’, and winning the ‘#rideforGino’ Mountain Prize .
The team couldn’t have hoped for more in this edition of the Swiss race, as today’s achievement was the best way to honour the memory of Gino.
After the opening time-trial and two relatively easy days, Stage 4 from Rüschlikon to Gotthard Pass (171 km), marked the beginning of the hardest part of this Tour de Suisse. Stage 6 was shortened due to the closure of the Nufenen Pass, and the KOM planned in tribute to Gino Mäder was relocated to the Gotthard. This provided extra motivation for TBV riders at the start of the day, eager to enter the breakaway and seize their chance on the challenging 34 km final ascent at 4.6%, finishing at around 2000 meters. Here, it’s all about the legs, but as Torstein’s victory showed, the heart counts just as much.
The 28-year-old Norwegian climber was part of an 8-man breakaway that formed shortly after the start of the stage, staying ahead for about 156 km. The attackers managed to gain a maximum advantage of 6 minutes, enough to withstand the peloton’s pursuit on the demanding climb to the finish. Torstein made his decisive move with around 10 km to go, attacking from the breakaway and soloing towards his dream: achieving his first ever professional win. In the final few kilometers he maintained enough of an advantage to celebrate an epic win against the stunning mountain backdrop of Gotthard, ahead of Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) and Matthias Skjelmose (Lidl Trek).
Still in disbelief about his achievement, Torstein Træen commented: “I don’t know what to say without being emotional. It’s for Gino and it’s so special for me. It has been a rollercoaster these past two years. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo surgery. Recently, I had to leave the Giro due to an injury. This win is so special for me, Gino’s family, and the team.
“I didn’t believe it was possible because this morning I didn’t think I had the legs. Then, in the breakaway, I started thinking about everything that has happened to me over the last few years and, of course, about Gino. Suddenly, I was there with the legs, just hoping I could hold on, and luckily I did. The last kilometre seemed never-ending. Yates was coming so fast behind me; it was not tarmac but cobbles and there was a headwind. I was so happy when I finished and realised I had done it.”
“Winning the prize for Gino is unbelievable. Everyone misses him. Personally, I didn’t know him because I wasn’t in the team last year, but I can feel how much he is missed. I’m honoured to win this stage for him, especially with his family here. It means so much.”
Sports Director Roman Kreuziger also emphasised the importance of this success for the entire team in memory of Gino: “It was a bit unexpected. We aimed to be in the breakaway, and Torstein managed to join it and perform excellently. We also had a bit of luck with the leader’s crash, which gave us some extra time that was crucial for the win. We are super happy because today was the highest point of this Tour de Suisse in memory of Gino, giving us extra motivation. We ride for him. We always remember him with a big smile, and today was the best day to win because of his memory.”
Torstein Træen not only won the stage and Gino’s prize but was also awarded the KOM jersey, the most combative prize, and the Tissot kilometre prize.
Meanwhile at the Tour of Slovenia, Phil Bauhaus achieved another top 3 result, reflecting after the stage,
“Today was an expected bunch sprint and we did our best. In the end, I came as 3rd. I think that is a good start for us. The other two riders in front were stronger than me. Nothing to complain about that. I think it is something we can build up for tomorrow and hopefully, I can do a better sprint.”
