18-year-old Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer died after an accident during a race in Zurich

Muriel Furrer, an 18-year-old Swiss cyclist, died on Friday as a result of injuries suffered in a crash on Thursday during the road world championships taking place south of Zurich.

Furrer, who was competing in the junior competition, suffered a head injury after an accident in the forest. At the time of her escape, the surrounding roads were slick with rain, so she was transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital.

On Friday, race organizers announced her premature exit in a press release.

“Muriel Furrer unfortunately died today at the University Hospital of Zurich,” said the organizers. “The UCI and the Organizing Committee of the 2024 UCI Road Cycling and Paracycling World Championships express their sincere condolences to the family, friends of Muriel Furrer and her Swiss Cycling Federation.”

Olivier Senn, director of the Swiss organizing committee, and Peter Van den Abeele of the International Cycling Federation held a joint press conference following the publication of the tragic news.

Senn told reporters that local authorities were investigating the incident. The competition in which Furrer participated will continue in accordance with her family’s wishes. On Saturday, racing in the elite men’s and women’s divisions will continue on the same stretch of road where Furrer was involved in her accident.

According to Senn, security in the area was increased following the disaster, with additional security personnel deployed throughout the site.

A young person’s career interrupted

According to the Swiss newspaper Berner Zeitung, at the same press conference both Senn and Van den Abeele expressed their condolences to the young cyclist’s family, and Senn announced that public race events scheduled for Friday in Zurich would be canceled.

“We lost a promising athlete who had her whole life ahead of her,” Senn said.

“The cycling community is losing a cyclist who has a great future ahead of him,” continued Van den Abeele.

Last June, Gino Mäder, 26, another Swiss cyclist, also died. His death occurred after an accident in a gorge during the Tour de Suisse.

During Friday’s news conference, Senn was asked about the similarities between Furrer’s and Mader’s deaths.

“This is another tragic death, there are similarities. But today it’s not about Gino, it’s about Muriel. Our thoughts are with her family. But I can’t deny it,” Senn said.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a popular news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact him at [email protected] and follow him at X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Muriel Furrer, 18-year-old Swiss cyclist, dies in crash with head injury