Teenage cyclist Muriel Furrer has died following a serious head injury at the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Switzerland.

Furrer was competing in her home country in Zurich when she crashed during the road race and had to be airlifted to hospital on Thursday.

The following day, governing body Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) released a statement confirming Furrer’s passing. “It is with great sadness that the UCI and the organising committee of the 2024 UCI road world championships in Zurich, Switzerland, today learned the tragic news of the death of young Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer,” a statement read.

“The 18-year-old rider fell heavily (on) Thursday during the women’s junior road race, and suffered a serious head injury before being flown to hospital by helicopter in a very critical condition.

“Muriel Furrer sadly passed away today at Zurich University Hospital. With (her) passing, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her.

“The UCI and the organising committee offer their sincere condolences to Muriel Furrer’s family, friends and her federation, Swiss Cycling. Muriel’s family asks that their privacy be respected at this very painful time.”

Swiss Cycling said on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Our hearts are broken. It is with a heavy heart and infinite sadness that we have to say goodbye to Muriel Furrer.

“We are losing a warm-hearted and wonderful young woman who always had a smile on her face. There is no understanding, only pain and sadness.”

Furrer was a double silver medallist in the time trial and road race at this year’s Swiss road nationals, before torrential rainfall made conditions on Thursday difficult for cyclists.

There had been debate over whether the event would be curtailed following the news of Furrer’s passing, but as per the family’s wishes, it was agreed the championship would continue.

Furrer’s condition was described as ‘critical’ overnight as the UCI said that there were “still no established facts regarding how the accident happened,” and “investigations by the competent authorities are ongoing.”

The governing body is due to hold a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Furrer was a promising road, cyclocross and mountain bike rider from the canton of Egg in Zurich, who had been part of the Swiss mountain bike team that won bronze at the European Championships in May.

She was also a student at the United School of Sports in Zurich.