Muriel Furrer: Swiss cyclist dies after crash at Road and Para-cycling World Championships

Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer has passed away following a severe head injury she sustained during the world championships in Switzerland.

The 18-year-old had an accident during the junior road race on Thursday and was airlifted to the hospital.

Heavy rain poured down for a large part of Thursday's races in Zurich.

During a press conference on Friday, Peter van den Abeele, the sports director of the global cycling organization Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), stated that they were unable to provide further details about the incident since it is currently being looked into by the relevant public authorities.

He stated, "The UCI and the organizing committee are honoring the family's desire to proceed with these world championships."

The format for the medal ceremony on Friday has changed, as there will be no music or anthems, and the flags will be displayed at half-staff.

We will observe a moment of silence, during which a condolence message will be shared, accompanied by a photograph of Furrer displayed on the video screen.

All Friday evening events have been called off, including the UCI gala that was set to take place on Saturday.

In recent years, the safety of road cycling has gained increased attention, leading the UCI to launch the SafeR campaign in 2023. This initiative aims to examine the potential hazards associated with cycling events.

Last year, Furrer's fellow countryman Gino Mader tragically lost his life at the age of 26 following a high-speed crash during the Tour de Suisse.

During the Tour of Austria in July, 25-year-old Norwegian cyclist Andre Drege suffered fatal injuries in a crash while descending Grossglockner, the tallest mountain in Austria.

Olivier Senn, the sports director for the Local Organising Committee (LOC) overseeing the Road and Para-cycling World Championships, stated, "We are committed to ensuring the utmost safety and security for the cyclists. We reassessed the downhill section in light of the rain conditions."

Senn stated that there is still no detailed information regarding the specific location of the accident. He also mentioned, "We have made some minor changes to the team present at the site."

"Regarding the family, it's important to rely on facts rather than hearsay," he stated.

Furrer won two silver medals in both the time trial and road race events at this year's Swiss national cycling championships.

"Swiss Cycling expressed their deep sorrow on X, stating, 'We are devastated. It is with profound sadness that we must bid farewell to Muriel Furrer.'"

"We are saying goodbye to a kind and amazing young woman who always greeted everyone with a smile. It’s hard to comprehend this loss; all we feel is deep sorrow and heartache."

In a statement released after her passing, the UCI remarked: "The international cycling community mourns the loss of Muriel Furrer, a talented rider who had a promising future ahead."

The UCI and the organizing team for the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships express their heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends, and Swiss Cycling federation of Muriel Furrer.

The family of Muriel Furrer requests that their privacy be honored during this difficult period.

British Cycling shared on X: "The entire team at British Cycling is heartbroken to hear about Muriel Furrer's passing."

Muriel was a passionate young cyclist with a promising future, and her absence will be deeply felt in the cycling community. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to her family, friends, and fellow teammates at Swiss Cycling.

The Movistar road cycling team expressed their condolences, saying, "We are sending our heartfelt support to the family, friends, and teammates of Muriel Furrer, as well as to Swiss Cycling, during this difficult time. May she find eternal peace."