Mountain bike racing has lost some great personalities in recent years. Burry Stander, Kelly McGarry, Steve Smith and Inaki Lejarreta are just the best known. Four years ago today, Switzerland also suffered a heavy blow. Erwin Wildhaber, one of the best-known mechanics in the World Cup squad and master builder of Nino Schurter and Florian Vogel, among others, was killed in an accident on a mountain tour on November 26, 2012. The anniversary is a fitting opportunity to remember this impressive personality and to humbly realize once again how quickly and unexpectedly fate can strike.

Obituary: Erwin Wildhaber was more than just a mechanic

On Monday (December 3, 2012), the assembled icons of international mountain biking paid their last respects to Erwin Wildhaber, who died in an accident. Wildhaber's legendary cheerfulness gave way to deep sadness. He had a greater impact on mountain biking in the background than most top athletes.

Hardly ever before has the Catholic church in Siebnen had to cope with such a large number of visitors. At Erwin Wildhaber's funeral, the building was filled to the last seat, with many even standing to attend the funeral. Athletes, team managers, mechanics, organizers, journalists and friends came from all over Europe to pay their last respects to one of the most impressive figures in mountain biking. The large turnout was also emblematic of Erwin Wildhaber's way of life. Hardly anyone on the international racing scene was more popular than him. There was probably no one in mountain biking who had anything to complain about Wildhaber. And there was probably no one in mountain biking who didn't like Wildhaber. He saw the good in everyone and everything - and the fact that such a person had to go out of life so tragically is particularly saddening.

On the racecourse, Wildhaber's manner was legendary. He could barely speak a word of English, but nevertheless communicated with drivers and support staff from all over the world with apparent ease. Countless racing drivers came to him for advice, and they knew that his willingness to help did not require language skills - but an upright character.

However, Wildhaber's infectiously cheerful demeanor was also legendary. He always put an end to problems, disappointments or arguments with his irresistible smile. The world was then instantly only half as bad. And Wildhaber's uncompromising positivism is probably also the basis of many a victorious ride by Nino Schurter or Florian Vogel. This honest and hearty laugh will be sorely missed by the sport of mountain biking. In Erwin Wildhaber, the sport of mountain biking has lost far more than just one of the best race mechanics in the world. For many, Wildhaber was the epitome of cheerfulness, and he will leave a noticeable gap.

Erwin Wildhaber leaves behind a large family, loved ones and friends. Their situation is extremely regrettable. They have to cope with his untimely and completely unexpected death. But our thoughts should also be with Thomas Frischknecht and Andreas Seeli these days. They experienced the tragedy at first hand and both narrowly escaped their own deaths with a great deal of luck. They lost their friend on a harmless mountain hike. Questions of guilt and meaning will preoccupy them, even if, rationally speaking, the matter is clear: only fate has struck here. There are questions without answers. As strong personalities, Thomas Frischknecht and Andreas Seeli know this, but they will need time and strength to accept it.

No one of today's generation of mountain bikers will forget Erwin Wildhaber. His footsteps are too big, he has left too strong a mark on cross-country sport in recent years. His aura will continue to hover over international race courses in the future.

This obituary was first published on December 5, 2012