Minute of silence for Furrer
“Reach the finish safely”: Women’s World Championship race started

Antonia Niedermaier is aiming for a top placement. photo
© Peter Dejong/AP/dpa
The women’s World Cup race will start near Zurich. Beforehand there will be a minute’s silence in memory of the deceased Muriel Furrer.
One day after the death of Muriel Furrer started the women’s race at the World Road Cycling Championships in Zurich. Before the almost 200 drivers were sent onto the track in Uster, there was a minute’s silence in memory of Furrer.
The Swiss team took their place in the front row, the riders hugged each other, and one athlete burst into tears. The 18-year-old Swiss Furrer died on Friday from injuries she sustained in a fall in the junior women’s race on Thursday. The Swiss team led the field after the neutral start.
Niedermaier: “It’s important to drive with respect”
When it rained constantly, the issue of safety was omnipresent. “It’s important to ride with respect and still not be too afraid and to be brave,” said German medal contender Antonia Niedermaier. “The most important thing for everyone is that we reach the finish safely and stay healthy. It’s the biggest goal of all that nothing happens today.”
The riders have to complete 154.1 kilometers. Returning to everyday life is difficult after the news of Furrer’s death. “It’s very depressing. Of course you have to say that a lot of things came together that led to the accident. You have to try to keep your thoughts positive,” said Franziska Koch and urged caution: “The decisions are made on the up and up not on the descent.”