Magnus Sheffield is an American cyclist who currently rides for UCI WorldTeam Ineos Grenadiers.
He was born on April 19, 2002, in Pittsford, New York, and started racing bicycles at a young age, and quickly showed promise.
He won the 2018 Pan American Cyclo-cross Championships in the junior category, and the 2019 UCI Junior Road World Championships in the time trial.
In 2020, Sheffield turned professional with Rally Cycling.
He had a successful first season, winning the Tour de l’Avenir overall, and finishing third in the World U23 Time Trial Championships.
In 2021, Sheffield joined Ineos Grenadiers. He had a breakout season, winning three races, including the Brabantse Pijl.
He also finished seventh in the WorldTour’s General Classification at the Tour de Suisse.
Sheffield is considered one of the most promising young cyclists in the world. He is a versatile rider who can compete in both the classics and the Grand Tours.
He is also a strong time trialist.
Magnus Sheffield crash
Sheffield crashed on the descent of the Albula Pass during stage 5 of the Tour de Suisse on June 15, 2023.
He was taken to Samedan hospital with bruises and a concussion. He was also reported to have sustained soft tissue damage.
Sheffield was responsive at the scene of the crash and was able to walk to the ambulance. He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and released the following day.
The crash occurred in the final kilometers of the stage, as the riders were descending the Albula Pass at high speed.
Sheffield lost control of his bike and went off the road, falling into a ravine.
He was forced to abandon the Tour de Suisse after the crash. He is expected to make a full recovery and will be back racing soon.
Albula Pass
Albula Pass is a high mountain pass in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland.
It is located at an elevation of 2,312 meters (7,582 feet) above sea level. The pass connects the Albula Valley with the Engadine Valley.
The Albula Pass was already being used as a mule trail back in prehistoric times. The Romans used this route to trade corn and wine for cheese, honey, beeswax and skins.
In the middle ages it was ruled by the Bishops of Chur who were able to secure a good source of income from the road toll that they charged.
The Albula Pass is an important axis from central Graubünden to Engadin. It is traversed by a paved road from Thusis to La Punt, via Bergün.
It is also traversed by the Albula Railway, although at a lower elevation through the Albula Tunnel (1,820 meters), from Thusis to Bever, also via Bergün. On the summit of the pass is a hospice.
East of the pass, on the Engadin side, is a lake named Albulasee (2,294 meters) which is 4.2 hectares large.
West of the pass, at a further distance, is the larger Lai da Palpuogna, a popular stop on the Albula road.
The Albula Pass is one of the three paved road passes connecting the Engadine with the northern Grisons, the two other being the Julier Pass and the Flüela Pass.
Additionally, it is a popular tourist destination, especially for hikers, bikers and motorists.
The views from the pass are stunning, and the road is a challenge for drivers. The Albula Pass is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.