Cyclist Muriel Furrer has died at the age of 18 following an accident at the UCI Road and Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Switzerland.
World cycling’s governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), announced on Friday afternoon that Furrer had passed away at University Hospital in Zurich.
Swiss rider Furrer had been airlifted to hospital in critical condition on Thursday after suffering a serious head injury during a crash that occurred during the women’s junior road race.
In a statement, the UCI said: “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.
The cycling world mourns the loss of Muriel Furrer.
— UCI (@UCI_cycling) September 27, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to this young rider, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all her family, friends, and teammates.
Rest in peace. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YEtEldhd59
“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.”
Our hearts are broken, we have no words
— Swiss Cycling (@swisscycling) September 27, 2024
It is with a heavy heart and infinite sadness that we have to say goodbye to Muriel Furrer today. 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. pic.twitter.com/tFy9nAb1BS
Swiss Cycling said in a tribute to Furrer: “Our hearts are broken, we have no words. It is with a heavy heart and infinite sadness that we have to say goodbye to Muriel Furrer today.
“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. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and family. We ask that you respect her privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”
Ich bin fassungslos über den Tod der jungen U-19-Fahrerin Muriel Furrer nach ihrem Unfall an der Rad-WM in Zürich. Den Angehörigen spreche ich mein herzliches Beileid aus. Meine Gedanken sind bei der gesamten Radsport-Familie.
— Viola Amherd (@Violapamherd) September 27, 2024
Swiss president Viola Amherd wrote on X: “I am shocked by the death of the young U-19 rider Muriel Furrer after her accident at the Cycling World Championships in Zurich.
“I offer my sincere condolences to her family. My thoughts are with the entire cycling family.”
