Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer, 18, dies after suffering head injury

by · Mail Online

An 18-year-old Swiss cyclist has died after suffering a serious head injury during a cycling competition in Switzerland.

Muriel Furrer was competing in the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Zurich on Thursday when she crashed and suffered a serious head injury.   

The teenager was air-lifted to Zurich University Hospital in a critical condition and passed away earlier on Friday.

Authorities are now investigating the tragedy, with the reason behind her fall still unknown. 

Heavy rain in Zurich had affected the riding surface and meant the men's and women's junior road events were raced on slick roads at the nine-day worlds meeting. 

18-year-old Swiss Muriel Furrer has died after suffering a serious head injury during a cycling competition in Switzerland
Furrer died after a heavy crash during an event outside Zurich
Furrer was competing in the Road and Para-cycling World Championships when she crashed and suffered a serious head injury

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.

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'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.'

A picture of Furrer was projected during a minute of silence at the Cycling and Para-cycling Road World Championships on Friday
Peter Van den Abeele, Sports Director of the Union Cycliste Internationale, was visibly taken aback by the news of the cyclists death during a press conference on Friday 
The 18-year-old, pictured last month, was rushed to hospital but passed away on Friday
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)

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.

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.'