“I do not understand why in World Championships we do not have communication via earpiece" - Juan Ayuso critical of UCI after Muriel Furrer's tragic death

If Spain are to claim glory in the men's elite road race at the 2024 World Championships in Zurich, UAE Team Emirates' Juan Ayuso is likely to play a big role. Ahead of the race however, the Spaniard took time to comment on the tragic death of Muriel Furrer in the women's junior road race earlier in the week.

“When I found out, I shed a few tears," the 22-year-old admits honestly in comments to Cadena SER's 'El Larguero', with Ayuso having flashbacks to another heart breaking moment in recent cycling history from the 2023 Tour de Suisse. "It reminded me of Gino Mäder because he hit me very close to home. At a stage in which I won in Switzerland, I found out about the news later. I remember how bad it was for me because he was a very close person and now I can imagine what his teammates must be going through.”

We must stress the investigation into Furrer's death and how it was caused is still ongoing and full details of what exactly happened are not yet totally clear. There has been worrying speculation on the circumstances and Ayuso himself has heavily criticised the UCI's response to the incident.

“It seems that the girl was left without treatment for an hour until the medical services arrived. I think it is a disgrace and it is something that should not happen,” said the Spanish rider, attacking the UCI, claiming the lack of team radios is a potential factor in the lack of response to Furrer initially. “I do not understand why in world championships we do not have communication via earpiece. Little that can be done can change a person's life. There are many questions.”

As mentioned, the UCI investigation into the 18-year-old junior, Muriel Furrer's death remains ongoing.