- The teenager crashed during a junior road race and was taken to hospital
- A number of tributes have been posted online following the ‘tragic’ incident
- However, the event will go ahead as per the family’s wishes
An 18-year-old Swiss cyclist has died after suffering serious head injuries during a cycling race in Switzerland.
Muriel Furrer was competing in the road and paracycling world championships in Zurich on Thursday when she crashed and suffered serious head injuries.
The teenager was taken to Zurich University Hospital in critical condition and died earlier on Friday.
Authorities are now investigating the tragedy, but the reason behind her fall is still unknown.
Heavy rain in Zurich had affected the riding surface and left the men’s and women’s junior road events at the nine-day world meeting to be held on slippery roads.
Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer has died after a serious fall during an event outside Zurich
The 18-year-old, pictured last month, was rushed to hospital but died on Friday
A statement from the Union Cycliste Internationale paid tribute to the teenage rider
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said: ‘With the death of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community has lost a rider with a bright future ahead of him.
‘The UCI and the organizing committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Paracycling World Championships express their sincere condolences to the family, friends of Muriel Furrer and her Federation Swiss Cycling.
‘The family of Muriel Furrer asks that their privacy be respected at this very painful time.’
Swiss Cycling posted on X: ‘Our hearts are broken. It is with pain in our hearts and infinite sadness that we have to say goodbye to Muriel Furrer.
“We are losing a warm and wonderful young woman who always had a smile on her face. There is no understanding, only pain and sorrow.’
British Cycling also shared a tribute on social media, writing: ‘Everyone at British Cycling is devastated to hear of the passing of Muriel Furrer.
‘Muriel was a dedicated young rider with a bright future ahead of her and will be greatly missed by the cycling world.
“We extend our condolences to her family, friends and teammates at Swiss Cycling.”
In a statement released before Furrer’s death was confirmed, the UCI said the championship would go ahead as planned, according to the family’s wishes.
‘The investigation into the course of the accident by the responsible authorities is still ongoing. Further explanation will follow at a later date,” the statement said.
Swiss Cycling described Furrer as a ‘warm-hearted and wonderful young woman’
British Cycling also sent their condolences after Furrer’s tragic death was confirmed
Furrer was a silver medalist in the time trial and road race at the Swiss road nationals this year
Heavy rain had fallen on the course on Thursday (photo: the suspected location of the accident)
Heavy rain had fallen on the course for much of Thursday’s race.
Furrer was a double silver medalist 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.
Cycling team Movistar said: ‘We send all our strength to the family, friends and teammates of Muriel Furrer and to Swiss Cycling for this tragic loss.
“May she rest in peace.”