After suffering a severe head injury during the world championships in Switzerland, Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer passed away.
The 18-year-old was transported to the hospital via emergency helicopter after crashing during Thursday’s junior road race.
Much of the racing in Zurich on Thursday was accompanied by torrential rain.
The international governing organization Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), represented by Peter van den Abeele, its sports director, stated at a press conference on Friday that they could not provide additional details regarding the incident because it was still being looked into by official authorities.
He continued: “The UCI and the organising committee are respecting the wish of the family to continue these world championships.”
But the format of this Friday’s medal presentation has changed; instead of anthems or music, flags will be raised at half-mast.
A minute’s silence will be held, and a message of condolence will be read, with a photo of Furrer shown on the video screen.
The UCI gala slated for Saturday has been canceled, as have all of the Friday evening events.
The UCI launched the SafeR program in 2023 to analyze the risks associated with events in response to the increased focus on road cycling safety in recent years.
Furrer’s 26-year-old countryman Gino Mader perished in a crash during the Tour de Suisse last year while rapidly descending.
Andre Drege, a 25-year-old cyclist from Norway, was tragically hurt in a crash during the Tour of Austria in July while descending the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria.
“We believe we always do the maximum for the safety and security of the Road and Paracycling World Championships,” stated Olivier Senn, sports director of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the competition. The downhill was looked at again with the rain on site.”
Muriel Furrer, a devoted young rider with a bright future, has passed away at the age of 58. The International Cycling Union (UCI) and the organizing committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Paracycling Road World Championships have expressed their condolences to her family, friends, and Swiss Cycling.
The UCI and the organizing committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Paracycling Road World Championships have also offered their sincere condolences to Furrer’s family. British Cycling expressed their deep sadness and condolences to her family, friends, and team-mates at Swiss Cycling. Road cycling team Movistar has expressed support for the family, friends, and team-mates of Furrer and Swiss Cycling for this tragic loss.
(BBC)
