MURIEL FURRER’S cause of death has been confirmed – with the world championship cyclist not found for 90 minutes after her horror accident.
The 18-year-old rider was competing in a junior road race in Zurich, Switzerland when she suffered a “serious head injury” last month.
Furrer was taken to hospital by an emergency helicopter.
But the teen tragically passed away a day later as authorities scrambled to establish what had happened.
It’s understood that Furrer was competing on slick roads due to heavy rain at the time.
And it has now been confirmed that she fell while taking a left bend on a descent, leading to severe traumatic brain injuries.
A statement from Swiss authorities read: “The rider fell near Kusnacht, during a descent from the hamlet of Schmalzgrueb in a gentle left bend.”
However, Swiss media outlet Blick claims it took organisers 90 minutes to find Furrer, with Canadian Cycling Magazine adding she was first spotted unconscious in a wooded area by an official after the race was over.
She then received medical treatment at the scene as a helicopter was requested.
But it’s added that it took a further hour for the chopper to depart for the hospital, with the journey lasting three minutes.
And cycling fans responded in disbelief to the 90 minute media claims, with one saying: “So sad, so many safety failures.”
Another declared: “How come no one noticed a rider was missing?”
One noted: “Sadly, and respectfully, her team failed by not being on top of everything.”
Another added: “This is absolutely appalling.”
Following Furrer’s death on Friday, Swiss Cycling posted an emotional tribute online.
It said: “Our hearts are broken, we have no words. It is with a heavy heart and infinite sadness that we have to say goodbye to Muriel Furrer today.
“We are losing a warm-hearted and wonderful young woman who always had a smile on her face. There is no understanding, only pain and sadness.
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones and family. We ask that you respect her privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”
