The finish line of the UCI Road World Championships is usually a place of celebration and happiness, but the death of Swiss rider Muriel Füller meant that spectators mourned and the sport mourned.

The UCI cancelled many ancillary events, but confirmed that Saturday's women's road race and Sunday's men's road race would go ahead at the behest of Füller's family.

The men's under-23 road race started on Friday, before Fuller's death was announced, so the riders went into the race unaware of Fuller's death.

Niklas Behrens (Germany) won the world title over Martin Svrcek (Slovakia). He celebrated his victory, but was soon informed of Fuller's death.

Jan Kristen of Switzerland went on the attack during the race, but ended up finishing fourth. Swiss team members stopped him as soon as he crossed the finish line to give him the tragic news and send him off.

Other racers received the sad news and immediately went to their team vehicles. The speaker thanked the crowd for their understanding.

Alec Segert (Belgium), who finished third, gave a short speech.

“It's a nice reward, but it's all relative. After the finish, I was initially filled with euphoria. But when I heard the news of his death, my emotions exploded, as they did a year ago.”

Segert was referring to Thiel De Decker, who died while training near him last summer.

The ceremony on the podium was solemnized with a minute of silence. At the end of the silent prayer, respectful applause was given. The other paracycling award ceremonies were also respectful.

“Muriel Füller's death is a terrible loss and our thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and the Swiss Cycling Federation at this very difficult time. It is a very sad day for everyone who loves cycling and this sport,” the podium announcer said in multiple languages.

Some Belgian fans probably had not heard Füller's news and were cheering each time a Belgian rider passed by until the announcement and a minute of silence. They immediately understood the air of sadness that hung in the air in the Zurich center's Säxelotenplatz.

Medals were awarded to the athletes and Behrens donned the rainbow jersey, but the German national anthem was not played and the flag was flown at half-mast.

The athletes were visibly emotional as they were photographed on the podium, but it was a time of mourning and remembrance for everyone, not celebration.