'Extreme concern' as Furrer 'critical' after crash
· BBC SportMatt Warwick
BBC Sport Senior journalist
Muriel Furrer remains in a "critical" condition after suffering a serious head injury at the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Switzerland.
The 18-year-old Swiss crashed during the junior road race and authorities say they are "extremely concerned" about her condition.
The championships will continue according to the race programme, as per the family's wishes, the Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee (LOC) said.
"Investigations into the course of the accident by the responsible authorities are still ongoing. Further explanations will follow at a later date," the LOC said in a statement on Friday.
Furrer, a double silver medallist in the time trial and road race at this year's Swiss road nationals, was taken to hospital by emergency helicopter.
Torrential rain fell during much of Thursday's racing.
The LOC added: "The family [of Furrer] wishes the World Championships to continue according to the programme."
"Muriel Furrer’s state of health remains critical. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Swiss Cycling and the Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee remain extremely concerned."
A joint statement from cycling's world governing body the UCI, Swiss Cycling and the LOC on Thursday said: "Swiss rider Muriel Furrer fell heavily, for reasons still to be determined. She suffered a serious head injury and is in a critical condition.
"At present, there are no established facts regarding how the accident happened. Investigations by the authorities are ongoing. For this reason, no further information can be given until further notice."
Road cycling safety in spotlight yet again
Road cycling has seen several serious incidents in 2024, including a crash during the Itzulia Basque Country race in April which caused serious injuries for three of the world's best elite male riders - compromising 2023 Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, who lost to Tadej Pogacar in this year's race in July.
In an open letter, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of Britain's Ineos Grenadiers, pleaded with the UCI for "real action" in the way road races are undertaken.
The UCI introduced the SafeR campaign in 2023, to analyse risks involved in road cycling events and provide safety reports., external
Last year Furrer's compatriot Gino Mader was killed, aged 26, after a crash while descending at high speed during the Tour de Suisse.