The Swiss rider Muriel Furrer died on Friday from head injuries sustained in a crash in the Junior Women’s World Championship Road Race. She was 18.
Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and teammates during this very difficult time.
What we know
Very little is known about the specific circumstances of the crash. Swiss media have reported that it is believed that Furrer was in-between various groups of riders when the race entered onto the Zurich city circuit, and that she went off the road in a wooded area above Küsnacht on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich. Some media have reported that emergency services were delayed in getting to the rider due to a lack of information concerning her whereabouts. However, it must be emphasized that this information cannot be confirmed at this point in time.
A formal investigation, as required by law, is underway. “The accident itself is still being investigated by the competent authorities. The UCI and the organizing committee respect the family’s wish to have the World Championships take place as planned.” – Peter Van den Abeele, UCI
The safety of the course was re-examined by the UCI afterwards in the proximity of where Furrer crashed. “We have reviewed the situation on the descent, adjusted it and believe that we have – as we always try – increased safety to the maximum for the riders.”
UCI Statement:
“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 in Zurich (Switzerland) today learned the tragic news of the death of young Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer.
With the passing of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her. The 18-year-old rider fell heavily yesterday, Thursday 26 September, during the Women Junior road race, and suffered a serious head injury before being flown to hospital by helicopter in a very critical condition. Muriel Furrer sadly passed away today at Zurich University Hospital.
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.
Muriel Furrer’s family asks that their privacy be respected at this very painful time.”