Swiss cyclist sustains serious head injury in fall during women’s junior road race at worlds
Riders are distanced by the pack in pouring rain during the Men Junior Road Race of the Cycling and Para-cycling Road World Championships in the woods of Kuesnacht, Switzerland, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
ZURICH (AP) — A Swiss cyclist sustained a serious head injury in a fall while competing in the women’s junior road race at the world championships Thursday and was in “very critical condition,” the International Cycling Union said.
Muriel Furrer, 18, fell heavily “for reasons still to be determined,” the UCI said. She was airlifted to a hospital.
Heavy rain in Zurich meant the men’s and women’s junior road events were raced on slick roads at the nine-day worlds meeting.
“At present, there are no established facts regarding how the accident happened. Investigations by the competent authorities are ongoing. For this reason, no further information can be given until further notice,” the governing body’s statement said.
“She suffered a serious head injury and is in a very critical condition,” the UCI said.
UCI president David Lappartient posted on X, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Muriel Furrer’s family, friends and teammates.”
Thursday’s event was a 73.6-kilometer (45.7-mile) race.
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