Swiss cyclist Muriel Forer died on Friday, a day after she suffered a serious head injury following an accident in the women's junior road race at the World Championships.
The International Cycling Union said, in a statement, “It is with great sadness that the International Cycling Union and the Organizing Committee of the World Road Cycling Championships received today the news of the death of the young Swiss cyclist Muriel Fourer.”
Forrer, 18, collapsed during the race, which took place on wet roads on Thursday, and was taken to the hospital by helicopter in “extremely critical” condition.
The federation added, “Muriel Forer unfortunately passed away today at Zurich University Hospital.”
“The international cycling community has lost a bike that had a bright future ahead of it,” he continued.
According to Swiss media, the accident occurred in a forest above Küsnacht, on the eastern shore of Lake Zurich, and it took several minutes before Forer was found.
The International Federation of the Game said on Friday morning, before the death was announced, that “investigations by the competent authorities are ongoing,” adding that the World Championship will continue with the women’s and men’s races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
Furrer won the silver medal in the women's time trial and road races in the junior women's category at this year's Swiss National Championships.