Follow usSpanish motorcycle racer Carles Falcon, aged 45, has tragically passed away over a week after a devastating crash during the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by his team on Monday.
Falcon had been in a medically induced coma since being airlifted to Riyadh Hospital and subsequently back to Spain after the accident on January 7th, during the second stage of the race from Al Henakiyah to Al Duwadimi, covering a distance of 448km.
Race director David Castera had earlier informed the press that Falcon, participating in the Dakar Rally for the second time after finishing 68th in 2022, had initially lacked a pulse but was revived by the first doctor on the scene. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, the TwinTrail Racing team announced on Instagram, “Carles has left us. The medical team has confirmed that the neurological damage caused by the cardiorespiratory arrest at the time of the accident is irreversible.”
The statement continued, “Carles was a smiling person, always active, who passionately enjoyed everything he did, especially motorbikes. He has left us doing something that was his dream, racing the Dakar.” Dakar organizers expressed their condolences to Falcon’s family and friends in a separate statement, acknowledging the immense sorrow surrounding the loss.
Hailing from Tarragona, Falcon competed in the unassisted bikers category of the challenging Dakar Rally, an event that has been held entirely in Saudi Arabia for the fifth consecutive year. Falcon’s tragic demise marks the 33rd competitor fatality in the history of the rally, but notably the first since 2022.
