Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer has tragically died following a severe head injury sustained during the junior road race at the world championships in Switzerland. The 18-year-old was involved in a crash on Thursday and was subsequently airlifted to a hospital.
The race took place amid torrential rain in Zurich, which affected many of the day’s events. At a news conference on Friday, Peter van den Abeele, sports director of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), confirmed that more information could not be provided about the incident as it is currently under investigation by public authorities.
“The UCI and the organising committee are respecting the wish of the family to continue these world championships,” van den Abeele stated.
In light of the tragedy, the medal ceremony scheduled for Friday has been modified; there will be no music or anthems, and flags will be flown at half-mast. A minute’s silence will be observed, and a message of condolence will be read aloud, with a photo of Furrer displayed on the video screen. All evening activities for Friday have been cancelled, including the UCI gala planned for Saturday.
This incident raises further concerns regarding safety in road cycling, an issue that has garnered attention in recent years. The UCI introduced the SafeR campaign in 2023 to assess risks associated with cycling events. Last year, Furrer’s compatriot Gino Mader, aged 26, was killed in a crash while descending at high speed during the Tour de Suisse. Additionally, in July, Norwegian cyclist Andre Drege, 25, suffered fatal injuries in a crash during the Tour of Austria on the descent of Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain.
Olivier Senn, sports director of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Road and Para-cycling World Championships, commented on the situation, saying, “We believe we always do the maximum for the safety and security of the riders. The downhill was looked at again with the rain on site.” Senn mentioned that there is currently no information regarding the exact location of the accident and noted that staffing on site has been slightly adjusted. He urged respect for the family during this difficult time, stating, “With respect to the family, please use facts and not rumours.”
Furrer was a double silver medallist in both the time trial and road race categories at this year’s Swiss road nationals. Swiss Cycling expressed their grief on X, stating, “Our hearts are broken. It is with a heavy heart and infinite sadness that we have to say goodbye to Muriel Furrer. 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.”
In their statement following her passing, the UCI remarked, “With the passing of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her. 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.” The family of Muriel Furrer has requested privacy during this challenging time.
British Cycling shared their sorrow on X, stating, “Everyone at British Cycling is devastated to learn of the passing of Muriel Furrer. Muriel was a devoted young rider with a bright future ahead of her and will be sorely missed by the cycling world. We send our condolences to her family, friends, and teammates at Swiss Cycling.”
Road cycling team Movistar expressed their condolences as well, stating, “Sending all of our strength to the family, friends, and teammates of Muriel Furrer and to Swiss Cycling for this tragic loss. May she rest in peace.”
