Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer, 18, dies after suffering a serious head injury during an event in Switzerland as touching tributes flood in
Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer has died after suffering a serious head injury during the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Switzerland.
Furrer, 18, crashed heavily during the junior road race on Thursday and was rushed to hospital by emergency helicopter in a critical condition.
The teenager passed away earlier on Friday at Zurich University Hospital.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said: ‘With the passing of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her.
‘The UCI and the Organising Committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships offer their sincere condolences to Muriel Furrer’s family, friends and her Federation Swiss Cycling.
Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer has died after a heavy crash during an event outside Zurich
The 18-year-old, pictured last month, was rushed to hospital but passed away on Friday
A statement from the Union Cycliste Internationale paid tribute to the teenage rider
‘Muriel Furrer’s family asks that their privacy be respected at this very painful time.’
Swiss Cycling posted on X: ‘Our hearts are broken. It is with a heavy heart and infinite sadness that we have to say goodbye to Muriel Furrer.
‘We are losing a warm-hearted and wonderful young woman who always had a smile on her face. There is no understanding, only pain and sadness.’
British Cycling also shared a tribute on social media, writing: ‘Everyone at British Cycling is devastated to learn of the passing of Muriel Furrer.
‘Muriel was a devoted young rider with a bright future ahead of her and will be sorely missed by the cycling world.
‘We send our condolences to her family, friends and team-mates at Swiss Cycling.’
In a statement released before Furrer’s death was confirmed, the UCI said that the championship would continue as scheduled, as per the wishes of the family.
‘Investigations into the course of the accident by the responsible authorities are still ongoing. Further explanations will follow at a later date,’ the statement added.
Swiss Cycling described Furrer as a ‘warm-hearted and wonderful young woman’
British Cycling also posted their condolences after Furrer’s tragic passing was confirmed
Furrer was a silver medallist in the time trial and road race at the Swiss road nationals this year
Torrential rain had fallen on the course on Thursday (pictured: the suspected accident site)
On Thursday, the UCI claimed there were no ‘established facts’ regarding the crash.
The Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee said earlier on Friday that it remained ‘extremely concerned’ about the rider’s serious condition.
Torrential rain had fallen on the course during much of the racing on Thursday.
Furrer was a double silver medallist in the time trial and road race at the Swiss road nationals this year and finished 44th in the junior women’s time trial earlier this week.
Road cycling team Movistar said: ‘Sending all of our strength to the family, friends and team-mates of Muriel Furrer and to Swiss Cycling for this tragic loss.
‘May she rest in peace.’
