1
NEWS
Polish rider dies in 2015 Dakar
Passed away in stage three, but the circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be determinedPolish rider Michal Hernik has been found dead on the third stage of the 2015 Dakar Rally between San Juan and Chilecito.
The circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be determined, as the competitor did not show any external signs of an accident.
When the race management detected the loss of his electronic signal and was informed that he had not completed the special stage at 3:16pm, it decided to start a search for the rider at 3:23pm. An ambulance helicopter found the rider 300 metres off the route at 4:03pm. Tragically, the on-board doctor could only confirm the rider’s death.
At 39 years of age, Michal (pictured) was taking part in the Dakar for the first time and he was in 84th position in the general ranking. He had previously participated in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in 2014 and the Morocco Rally in 2013, both of which he completed.
Stage three was won by Austrian Dakar newcomer Matthias Walkner, an impressive result for the former MX3 world champion. Walkner, a KTM-backed rider, is the first Austrian to ride in the Dakar since Heinz Kinigadner in the 1990s.
Walker won the stage from defending champion Marc Coma (KTM), Joan Barreda (Honda) and Aussie Dakar rookie Toby Price.
Barreda leads overall, over five minutes ahead of fellow Honda rider Paolo Goncalves, with Walker in third. Price is sixth.
Tags
Share this article
Written byBikesales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a bikesales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the bikesales app
