2024 World Championships to continue as planned despite continued concerns over health of Swiss junior Muriel Furrer

On Thursday, heartbreaking news emerged that Swiss junior Muriel Furrer had been left in a "very critical condition" following a crash in the women's junior road race, won by Great Britain's Cat Ferguson. Despite the continued concerns over Furrer's health, the UCI have confirmed the 2024 World Championships are set to continue as planned.

"The 2024 UCI Road and Para-cycling Road World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland, will continue according to the race programme," the statement from the UCI read on Friday morning. "The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Swiss Cycling and the Local Organising Committee Zurich 2024 have agreed on this approach. The continuation of the event is taking place with the agreement and in accordance with the wishes of the family of Muriel Furrer. The family would like the 2024 UCI Road World Championships to continue as planned. Muriel Furrer's health status remains very critical. The UCI, Swiss Cycling and the Local Organising Committee Zurich 2024 are extremely concerned."

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With Furrer rushed to hospital by helicopter after suffering what was described as a "a serious head injury," the facts surrounding exactly what happened in the lead up to the incident are still cloudy.

"At present, there are still no established facts regarding how the accident happened. Investigations by the competent authorities are ongoing," the UCI statement explains. "For this reason, no further information can be given until further notice."

Given the decision to carry on the schedule as planned, this Friday, "According to the programme, Men C1 and C2 will begin in para-cycling, followed by the competitions in the divisions Men T1-2 and Women 11-2. In the afternoon, the Men U23 will start from Uster to ride to Zurich for the UCI World Championships title," the UCI confirms.

From all associated with CyclingUpToDate.com, we send our thoughts and prayers to Muriel Furrer and all who know her.

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See the full schedule and race programme of the 2024 World Championships in Zurich right here!