The Road Cycling World Championships have turned from a beautiful cycling celebration into a tragic event in just one day. On Friday afternoon, the UCI announced the news everyone was fearing: 18-year-old Muriel Furrer has passed away. The Swiss rider suffered a severe crash during the junior women’s race on Thursday and ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The first road race of the World Championship on Thursday thus ended in a disaster. The UCI quickly shared terrible news in an update after the race: "Furrer fell heavily today, for reasons still to be determined. She was taken to hospital by an emergency helicopter. She suffered a serious head injury and is in a very critical condition."
"Extremely concerned by the situation, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Swiss Cycling and the Zürich 2024 local organizing committee are closely monitoring developments," the statement continued. An investigation into how Furrer fell so hard is being conducted, as would be expected. On Friday, the talented rider succumbed to her injuries after being admitted to the hospital in a "very critical" condition.
"It is with great sadness that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the organizing committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships today learned the tragic news of the death of young Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer," the cycling federation wrote in a statement. "With the passing of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her. The UCI and the organizing 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."
Another rough crash in the junior men's race
The first day of road races at the World Championship in Zürich was also marked by crashes in the junior men’s race. Top favorite and defending champion Albert Withen Philipsen crashed during the final lap. Just 23 kilometers from the finish line, Withen Philipsen was suddenly seen lying on the ground. The 18-year-old Dane had perhaps been a bit too confident and slipped during the soaking wet descent.
The Dane lay on the ground for some time and did not finish the race. Danish national coach Michael Berling told TV2 that Philipsen was taken to the hospital for examination. Later, the Danish federation shared good news: no fractures, only bruises and scrapes.
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