Cyclist, 18, airlifted to hospital and in ‘very critical condition’ after horror accident at world championships

A STARLET airlifted to hospital after a horrific fall during the cycling world championships is in a “very critical condition”.

Swiss rider Muriel Furrer, 18, suffered a “serious head injury” during a junior road race in Zurich.

The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) body are “extremely concerned by the situation” and “closely monitoring developments”.

Medics rushed to treat Furrer – a 2024 European Mountain Bike Championships bronze medallist – and an emergency helicopter took her to hospital.

Organisers say they are unclear how the accident happened.

Zurich had been hit by heavy rain, so the men’s and women’s junior road events were held on slick roads.

The UCI issued a statement following Thursday’s worrying incident.

It said Furrer “suffered a serious head injury and is in a very critical condition”.

The UCI, Swiss Cycling and Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee are now urgently looking into the matter.

The statement added: “At present, there are no established facts regarding how the accident happened.

“Investigations by the competent authorities are ongoing.

“For this reason, no further information can be given until further notice.”

The UCI promised to “communicate as soon as possible” once more is known.

Furrer, who only turned 18 in July, had finished 44th in a time trial earlier in the week.

The world championships is being held over nine day in Switzerland’s largest city.