Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer is in a “very critical” condition after suffering a serious head injury at the Road and Para-cycling World Championships.

The 18-year-old crashed during the junior road race – authorities say they are “extremely concerned” about her condition.

Furrer, a double silver medallist in the time trial and road race at this year’s Swiss road nationals, was taken to hospital by emergency helicopter from the course in Zurich, which has seen torrential rain fall across much of Thursday’s racing.

A joint statement from cycling’s world governing body the UCI, Swiss Cycling and the event’s organising committee said: “Swiss rider Muriel Furrer fell heavily today, for reasons still to be determined. She suffered a serious head injury and is in a very critical condition.

“Extremely concerned by the situation, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Swiss Cycling and the Zurich 2024 Local Organising Committee are closely monitoring developments and will communicate as soon as possible.

“At present, there are no established facts regarding how the accident happened. Investigations by the authorities are ongoing. For this reason, no further information can be given until further notice.”

Road cycling has seen several serious incidents in 2024, including a crash during the Itzulia Basque Country race in April which caused serious injuries for three of the world’s best elite male riders – compromising 2023 Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, who lost to Tadej Pogacar in this year’s race in July.

Owner of Britain’s Ineos Grenadiers, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, even pleaded with the UCI for “real action” in the way road races are undertaken in an open letter.

The UCI introduced the SafeR campaign in 2023, to analyse risks involved in road cycling events and provide safety reports., external

Last year Furrer’s compatriot Gino Mader was killed, aged 26, after a crash while descending at high speed during the Tour de Suisse in June.