Swiss 18-year-old cyclist dies after crash at Road World Championships
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Young cyclist Muriel Furrer has tragically passed away following an accident at the Road World Championships held in Zurich, Switzerland.
Furrer was involved in an accident during the women's junior road race on Thursday. The UCI, the organization that oversees cycling, reported that the 18-year-old was quickly transported by helicopter to a hospital, where she unfortunately passed away due to a serious head injury.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the organizing team for the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland, expressed their deep sorrow upon hearing about the tragic passing of young Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer, according to a statement released today.
The international cycling community mourns the loss of Muriel Furrer, a young rider who had great promise. The 18-year-old suffered a severe fall yesterday, Thursday, September 26, during the Women Junior road race, resulting in a serious head injury. She was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition. Tragically, Muriel Furrer passed away today at Zurich University Hospital.
The UCI and the committee organizing the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships send their heartfelt sympathies to Muriel Furrer's family, friends, and Swiss Cycling. The family of Muriel Furrer requests that their privacy be honored during this difficult period.
Furrer, a member of the Swiss development team BIXS Performance, secured 44th place in the women’s junior time trial that occurred earlier this week. The road race took place under rainy conditions following a heavy downpour on Thursday.
An inquiry into the incident has started.
Swiss Cycling expressed their deep sorrow, stating: "We are devastated and at a loss for words. It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Muriel Furrer today. We are saying goodbye to a kind and amazing young woman who always wore a smile. There are no explanations, only heartbreak and grief."
Swiss President Viola Amherd shared her disbelief on Twitter regarding the tragic passing of young U-19 cyclist Muriel Furrer, who lost her life in an accident during the Cycling World Championships in Zurich. She extended her heartfelt sympathies to Furrer's family and expressed her solidarity with the entire cycling community during this difficult time.
The cycling community came together to honor and remember.
“Team Visma–Lease a Bike shared on Furrer’s Instagram, ‘The cycling community has lost a talented rider with immense potential. We extend our condolences to Muriel’s family and friends. May you find peace, dear Muriel.’”
Furrer's passing occurs just under a year and a half after another Swiss cyclist, Gino Mader, tragically lost his life in a crash during the Tour de Suisse.
