Goosebumps on arms and knot in stomach: Swiss medium claims Furrer was alone for nearly an hour and a half (!)

What was supposed to be a grand cycling celebration at the World Championships in Zürich was marred by tragedy. The death of 18-year-old Muriel Furrer during the women's junior race sent shockwaves through the cycling world. In addition to the emotional impact, the accident raised many questions, such as how it was possible that the emergency helicopter was only summoned after a significant delay. On Monday afternoon, the Zürich Cantonal Police finally provided an update.

"As is customary in such cases, the Zürich Cantonal Police, in collaboration with the public prosecutor's office, has launched an investigation to fully clarify the cause and manner of death," reads the statement on the Swiss website. "Specialists from the Zürich Cantonal Police and the Forensic Institute of Zürich conducted the necessary forensic investigation immediately after the rescue. The racing bike has been seized by law enforcement for technical inspection."

"The Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Zürich has been tasked with performing the necessary forensic medical examinations," the statement continued. "The investigation into the accident is ongoing and not yet completed. According to initial findings, the rider fell near Küsnacht while taking a left-hand bend during her descent from Schmalzgrueb. At this time, there is no indication of third-party involvement. According to current research, there were no witnesses to the crash. There are currently no television footage or other recordings available. No witnesses have come forward."

Read more below the photo!

Swiss journalist saw Furrer pass 400 meters before  accident scene

Yet Furrer was out of sight of people and cameras for quite some time, police confirmed. "The investigation so far shows that the crashed athlete was found unconscious outside the track in the woods by a security employee. The emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after and provided first aid. The exact time of the accident has not yet been fully clarified. Further information beyond this press release cannot be communicated now."

Switzerland's Blick has more information based on a Blick journalist present near the crash scene. The timeline on the outlet's site causes goosebumps on the arms and a knot in the stomach. Indeed, Furrer reportedly drove past the journalist at 11:03 a.m., 400 meters from the scene. An Austrian rider then accompanies her and also has riders behind her. The entire peloton rides to the finish and, on the final lap, passes the corner where Furrer lies in the woods again. No one sees her again. 75 minutes after the crash, no ambulance remains at the scene. A trauma helicopter does not leave Dübendorf until 12:52 p.m. (just under two hours after the fall) and arrives four minutes later. Furrer is found unconscious by then...

The calendar for the new cyclo-cross season is now online! Check it out here. Or check out our general calendars for the remainder of the season for the men and women's races.