Road World Championships: Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer “very critical” after fall

Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer is in a “very critical” condition after suffering a serious head injury at the Road and Paracycling World Championships.

The 18-year-old fell during the junior road race – the authorities expressed “extreme concern” about her condition.

Furrer, a double silver medallist in the time trial and road race at this year's Swiss road championships, was taken to hospital by rescue helicopter from the race track in Zurich, where torrential rain had struck much of Thursday's racing.

A joint statement from the UCI, the world cycling association, Swiss Cycling and the event's organizing committee said: “The Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer suffered a serious fall today for reasons that are still unclear. She has suffered a serious head injury and is in a very critical condition.”

“The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Swiss Cycling and the local organizing committee of Zurich 2024 are extremely concerned about the situation. They are closely monitoring developments and will communicate as soon as possible.

“At this point in time, there is no reliable information about the circumstances of the accident. The authorities' investigations are ongoing. For this reason, no further information can be provided until further notice.”