Motorcycle competitor found dead on Dakar Rally route

Polish bike rider Michal Hernik died during the third stage of the Dakar Rally, organisers announced. The 39-year-old, competing in the event for the first time, was found dead 206 kilometers into the third stage of the rally between San Juan and Chilecito.

Dakar organisers said Hernik did not show any external signs of an accident, and that the cause of his death was still to be determined.

"When the race management detected the loss of his Irritrack signal and was informed that he had not completed the special stage at 15:16, it decided to start a search for the rider at 15:23," said a Dakar statement.

"An ambulance helicopter found the rider 300 meters off the route at 16:03.

"Unfortunately, the on-board doctor could only confirm the rider's death."

Hernik is the 28th competitor killed in the Dakar since it began in 1978. Hernik's death follows that of another motorcycle competitor, Eric Palante, on stage 6 of last year's Dakar Rally.

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