Muriel Furrer: 18-year-old cyclist dies after falling during junior road race

CNN
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Muriel Furrer, an 18-year-old cyclist, has died after suffering a serious head injury during a race, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced on Friday.

Furrer was taking part in the junior women's road race at the World Championships in Zurich on Thursday when she was seriously injured in a fall.

After the fall, Furrer was flown to the hospital in an emergency helicopter, the UCI statement said.

“It is with great sadness that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Organizing Committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Paracycling Road World Championships in Zurich (Switzerland) learned today the tragic news of the death of the young Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer. “The UCI said in its statement.

“With the death of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community has lost a rider with a bright future. The 18-year-old rider crashed heavily in the junior women's road race yesterday, Thursday September 26th, suffering a serious head injury before being flown by helicopter to hospital in a very critical condition. Muriel Furrer unfortunately passed away today in the University Hospital of Zurich.

“The UCI and the Organizing Committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Paracycling Road World Championships extend their sincere condolences to Muriel Furrer's family, friends and her association, Swiss Cycling.

“Muriel Furrer’s family asks that their privacy be respected at this very painful time.”

In a statement released on Thursday, the UCI said the incident was being investigated.

“At this point in time there is no reliable information as to how the accident occurred. The investigations by the responsible authorities are ongoing. For this reason, no further information can be provided until further notice.”

CNN has asked the Zurich cantonal police for a statement.