Teen cyclist dies after suffering serious head injury in horror accident at world championships

The cycling community has been rocked with news of an 18-year-old dying following a horror incident at the world championships.

Cyclist Muriel Furrer has tragically passed away aged just 18 after suffering a horror head injury.

The teenager was airlifted to hospital by an emergency helicopter following a heavy fall at the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Zurich on Friday (AEST).

She passed away at Zurich University Hospital later that day.

A statement from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) read: “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.

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

Muriel Furrer has tragically passed away aged just 18 after suffering a horror head injury.

The UCI revealed there were no “established facts” regarding how the crash happened.

The governing body also said on Thursday: “Investigations by the competent authorities are ongoing.”

A statement from Swiss Cycling read: “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.

A screen in Zurich shows cyclist Muriel Furrer, who sadly passed away after suffering a severe head injury at the UCI Paracycling and Road World Championships 2024. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)

“Our thoughts are with her loved ones and family. We ask that you respect her privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

Furrer finished 44th in the time trial event earlier this week.

The Swiss cyclist was a double silver medallist in the time trial and road race at this year’s Swiss road nationals.

The championship is set to continue according to the race program, as per Furrer’s family’s wishes.

- This article first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission

Originally published as Teen cyclist dies after suffering serious head injury in horror accident at world championships