Cyclist dies aged 18 after suffering serious injury during World Championships

Swiss cycling starlet Muriel Furrer has sadly passed away after a heavy fall on Thursday with a number of heartfelt tributes since being made to her from across the cycling world

18-year-old cyclist Muriel Furrer has sadly died after a heavy fall at the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Switzerland.

The youngster was taking part in the junior road race on Thursday when she suffered a collision. Furrer sustained a ‘serious’ head injury and was transported to hospital by helicopter.

But unfortunately, she has since passed away, and tributes have been pouring in for the Swiss starlet. A statement from the The Union Cycliste Internationale 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.

“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.”

Swiss Cycling added: “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.”

British Cycling also added their thoughts. A post on Twitter read: “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 team-mates at Swiss Cycling.”

Road cycling team Movistar said: “Sending all of our strength to the family, friends and team-mates of Muriel Furrer and to Swiss Cycling for this tragic loss. May she rest in peace.”

Furrer had won two silver medals at this year’s Swiss road nationals in both the time trial and the road race. She is the second Swiss cycling star to die over recent years after Gino Mader passed away after a crash at the Tour de Suisse last year.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.