Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer has tragically passed away after sustaining a serious head injury during the Road and Para-cycling World Championships in Switzerland.

The 18-year-old crashed during the junior road race on Thursday and was airlifted to the hospital by emergency helicopter.

In a statement, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) said: “With the passing of Muriel Furrer, the international cycling community loses a rider with a bright future ahead of her.”

“The UCI and the Organising Committee of the 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships offer their sincere condolences to Muriel Furrer’s family, friends and her Federation Swiss Cycling.

“Muriel Furrer’s family asks that their privacy be respected at this very painful time.”

The Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee (LOC) said earlier on Friday it remained “extremely concerned” about Furrer’s condition.

However, as per the family’s wishes, it was agreed the championship would continue according to the race programme.

Furrer was a double silver medallist in the time trial and road race at this year’s Swiss road nationals.

Torrential rain fell during much of Thursday’s racing in Zurich.