The 2024 Road Cycling World Championships that have just been held in Zurich (Switzerland) will be forever marked by a tragic event, which has cost the life of the 18-year-old runner Muriel Furrer. The young Swiss athlete died last Friday after the fateful accident she suffered in the middle of the race, while competing in the women’s online road race in the junior category.
© Getty ImagesThe death occurred after he was unable to overcome the serious injuries he had to his head, caused by a fall he experienced on Thursday, September 26, while he was crossing a wooded area on the northern shore of Lake Zurich. This is a route along which all the races of the event have taken place and, as reported by the International Cycling Union (UCI) in a statement, the details of how the accident occurred are still being investigated.
© Getty ImagesThe aforementioned organization explained that, after the strong blow, Muriel was rushed by helicopter and “in critical condition” to the city’s University Hospital, where her death finally took place. Following this, the UCI and the World Championships Organizing Committee mourned the loss of “a cyclist with a bright future ahead of her”, and offered their most sincere condolences to Furrer’s family, friends and her Swiss Cycling Federation.
© Getty ImagesFinally, regarding whether a possible cancellation of this 91st edition of the Road Cycling World Championships was on the table due to the sad event, the organization confirmed hours before learning the fatal news that they would go ahead at the request of Muriel’s family. As for her record, Furrer was the Swiss junior runner-up in both the time trial and the road race and combined it with the ‘mountain bike’ modality.
© Getty ImagesHer loss has caused a great commotion not only in cycling but in the world of sport in general, with tributes to the 18-year-old girl continuing since she left us. The most emotional came from her teammates on the Swiss team, who could not avoid tears at the starting line before competing the next day.
© Getty ImagesAlso especially moving was the tribute that the men’s peloton dedicated to him this Sunday, observing a sepulchral and respectful minute of silence with the Swiss runners at the head. As an altar, flowers and candles have been placed at the foot of one of the giant trees in the area, where anonymous citizens and fans have come these days.
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