The end line of the UCI Road World Championships is often a spot of celebration and happiness, however the demise of Swiss rider Muriel Furrer meant the crowds have been saddened and the game was in mourning.
The UCI cancelled quite a lot of collateral occasions however confirmed that the ladies’s highway race on Saturday and the boys’s highway race on Sunday would go forward, citing the want of Furrer’s household.
The under-23 males’s highway race started Friday earlier than the demise of Furrer was introduced and the riders have been unaware of her loss after they raced for the medals.
Niklas Behrens of Germany beat Martin Svrček of Slovakia to take the world title. He celebrated his victory earlier than being rapidly informed of Furrer’s demise.
Switzerland’s Jan Christen went on the assault in the course of the race however ultimately completed fourth. A member of the Swiss group rapidly stopped him past the end line, informed him the tragic information and escorted him away.
Other riders have been informed of the tragic information and rapidly headed to their group autos. The speaker thanked the group for his or her understanding.
Third-placed Alec Segaert of Belgium spoke briefly.
“It’s a pleasant reward, nevertheless it’s all relative,” he mentioned. “After the end there was euphoria at first, from an nearly misplaced place I nonetheless acquired a medal. But after I heard the information in regards to the demise, the feelings got here out. They have been there a yr in the past too.”
Segaert was referring to the demise of Tijl De Decker, who was killed whereas coaching close to him final summer time.
The podium ceremony went forward however was solemn and a minute’s silence was held beforehand. A respectful applause ended the silence. Other para-cycling podium ceremonies have been additionally held respectfully.
“The demise of Muriel Furrer is horrible and our ideas are together with her household, family members and the Swiss Cycling federation on this very tough time. It is a really unhappy day for biking and everybody who loves this sport,” the rostrum announcer mentioned in a number of languages.
Some Belgian followers had maybe not heard the information of Furrer and had cheered Belgian riders as they handed till the announcement and the minute’s silence. They rapidly understood the air of disappointment within the Sechseläutenplatz of central Zürich.
The riders got their medals and Behrens pulled on the rainbow jersey however the German nationwide anthem was not performed and the flag flew at half mast.
The riders have been visibly emotional as they posed for a podium {photograph} however everybody it was a time for mourning and remembrance, not celebration.
