Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer, 18 years old, died after suffering a head injury in a crash during the Road World Championship.
The Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI) announced on Friday that 18-year-old cyclist Muriel Furrer has died. Furrer was competing in the women’s junior road race at the world championships in Zurich, Switzerland on Thursday when she was badly injured in a fall. She was immediately flown to hospital in an emergency helicopter. The UCI expressed great sadness over the tragic news. The international cycling community has lost a rider with a bright future. Muriel Furrer suffered a serious head injury and was in a very critical condition. She sadly passed away at Zurich University Hospital. The UCI and the organising committee offered their sincere condolences to Furrer’s family, friends and Swiss Cycling. Her family requests privacy at this painful time.
This is no longer a secret. Only top men’s cycling events have sufficient safety guarantees. Muriel Furrer was found only an hour after suffering a head injury. We strongly condemn the event organizers for their ineffective rescue! They can’t even guarantee the life safety of cyclists.
The UCI’s rule on banning radios is also an important reason for the delay of this rescue operation. We understand why the UCI bans radio equipment, but at the same time we call on the UCI to relax restrictions related to electronic equipment that can ensure the life safety of athletes as soon as possible.
We also remind everyone again that road cycling races are very dangerous sports. Please be sure to pay attention to safety.
