The death of Muriel Furrer prompted the organizers of the World Cycling Championships to increase security precautions. However, many questions still remain unanswered.
Despite the death of Muriel Furrer, the World Cycling Championships in Zurich continue on Saturday with the women’s road race. One day later, the climax of the title fights is on the program with the men’s race. Not all of the facts that led to the fall of the 18-year-old Swiss woman are known. Authorities and associations are closed.
Who was Muriel Furrer?
The young woman was considered one of the greatest Swiss cycling talents. She was successful with the road bike as well as the cross bike and the mountain bike. She completed training at the United School of Sports vocational school. Before the World Cup, Furrer said: “First and foremost, I’m really looking forward to the World Cup – even more so because it’s a home World Cup. I’m also an ambassador for the World Cup.”
What is known about how the accident happened?
The information is poor. Furrer fell in a forest on a descent, probably in a left-hand bend. She lived just ten kilometers from where the accident occurred. The organizers do not answer questions about the exact location and time and refer them to the Zurich cantonal police. This in turn refers you to the public prosecutor’s office. The air rescue service confirmed an operation in the municipality of Küsnacht on the Zurich city limits. For further details, she refers you to the cantonal police.
What ambiguities are there?
It is completely unclear how quickly Furrer was able to receive medical care after her fall. The newspaper “Blick” refers to eyewitnesses who reported that a rescue helicopter was only deployed an hour after the end of the race. Furrer could actually have been easily located using the transponder on the bike. The world association UCI is cautious on the subject of transponders. Its investigation is part of the ongoing investigations on which one cannot comment.
What has changed on the route as a result of Furrer’s death?
The 27 kilometer long lap with start and finish on Sechseläutenplatz in Zurich is unchanged. However, more stewards were deployed in the forest, and the descent was secured with mats on some trees. A large banner informs drivers of the left turn.
Source: Stern
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