Swiss junior rider Furrer dies following crash, UCI says

Swiss rider Muriel Furrer has died from injuries sustained in a crash during the junior women's road race at the world championships in Zurich, governing body the UCI said on Friday.

18-year-old cyclist Muriel Furrer has died following a crash at the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Switzerland.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Gv9Rk41P9i

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 27, 2024

The 18-year-old fell heavily on Thursday and was air-lifted to hospital by a helicopter with serious head injuries and was said to be in a critical condition.

"It is with great sadness that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Organising Committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships today learned the tragic news of the death of young Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer," a statement read.

"With the passing of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her. We offer sincere condolences to Muriel Furrer's family, friends and her Federation Swiss Cycling."

The UCI said on Thursday there were no "established facts" as to how the accident occurred.

Furrer finished 44th in the junior women's time trial earlier in the week.