Tragic Death of Swiss Cyclist Muriel Furrer During World Championships

Teenage cyclist Muriel Furrer has tragically died following a crash during a women’s junior road race in Zurich, Switzerland. The accident occurred on Thursday, when Furrer came off the road in adverse weather conditions. According to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the 18-year-old was immediately airlifted to Zurich University Hospital, where she succumbed to severe head injuries.

The UCI and the Organising Committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships issued a joint statement expressing their profound sadness. “With the passing of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her,” the statement read. They extended their condolences to Furrer’s family, friends, and Swiss Cycling and requested that Furrer’s family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.

Furrer was a member of the Swiss development team BIXS Performance. Earlier in the week, she had participated in the women’s junior time trial, finishing in 44th place. The road race, which took place under wet conditions following heavy rainfall, saw the young cyclist encounter her fatal accident.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway. Swiss Cycling reacted to the news with a heart-wrenching post, stating, “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.”

Viola Amherd, the President of Switzerland, expressed her shock and grief on social media, offering her condolences to Furrer’s family and the entire cycling community. “My thoughts are with the entire cycling family,” Amherd tweeted.

Tributes have been pouring in from the cycling fraternity, with Team Visma–Lease a Bike posting on Furrer’s Instagram page, “The world of cycling lost a rider with a bright future. Our thoughts are with all the family and friends of Muriel. Rest in peace, dear Muriel.”

Furrer’s untimely death follows less than 18 months after another Swiss cyclist, Gino Mader, died during the Tour de Suisse under tragic circumstances.