Cyclist, 18, airlifted to hospital and in 'critical condition' after horror road race crash

Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer, 18, has suffered a serious head injury after crashing in a junior race at the Road and Para-cycling World Championships and is now in a "very critical condition"

Teenage cyclist Muriel Furrer is in a "very critical condition" after suffering a serious head injury in a junior road race.

The 18-year-old Swiss rider sustained her injuries during a crash which occurred during the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Zurich.

She was treated by medics before being an air ambulance arrived to take her to hospital for further care. It has since been confirmed in a joint statement from cycling's world governing body, The UCI, Swiss Cycling and the event's organising committee that she is in a serious condition.

The statement read: "Swiss rider Muriel Furrer fell heavily today, for reasons still to be determined. She suffered a serious head injury and is in a very critical condition.

"Extremely concerned by the situation, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Swiss Cycling and the Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee are closely monitoring developments and will communicate as soon as possible.

"At present, there are no established facts regarding how the accident happened. Investigations by the authorities are ongoing. For this reason, no further information can be given until further notice."

Though the statement outlines that the cause of the accident is not currently clear, Zurich saw torrential rainfall during the event, which occurred on Thursday.

Furrer is a double silver medallist after competing in the time trial and road race at this year's Swiss road nationals. She also won silver in junior categories at the Swiss cyclocross nationals and bronze at the cross-country mountain bike event.