Spanish motorbike rider Carles Falcón in serious condition after Dakar Rally crash, airlifted to hospital
Spanish motorbike rider Carles Falcón was seriously injured in a crash during the second stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia Promptly airlifted to hospital, Falcón's condition remains critical
Spanish motorcyclist Carles Falcón was airlifted to the hospital in a "serious condition" after crashing during the second stage of the Dakar Rally, currently taking place in Saudi Arabia, according to race organizers' statement on Monday.
The statement also indicates that a fellow competitor who was following Falcón immediately notified the organization, which promptly dispatched a medical helicopter to transport the injured rider.
"He was in serious condition and has been airlifted to Al Duwadimi Hospital. Additional information is expected in the coming hours."
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The incident occurred at kilometer 448 of the stage, the statement added.
Twin Trail Racing, the team Falcón races for, announced that the Spaniard was "unconscious and without a pulse" following the crash, but medical professionals were able to revive him. The team also stated that Falcón sustained a C2 vertebrae fracture, which necessitates immediate surgery.
In the coming days, Carles will be sedated to manage the swelling in his head. The team and family are grateful for all the supportive messages received.
Falcón, born in the Catalonian city of Tarragona in 1978, has always been immersed in the world of motorbikes. The driver was a finisher in the 2022 Dakar Rally, which is known as one of the world's longest and most challenging endurance races, covering 7,891 kilometers from AlUla to Yanbu in Saudi Arabia.
The Dakar Rally took place in Europe and Africa from 1979 to 2007 before relocating to South America and later the Middle East in 2020. This move came after the 2008 event was canceled due to security concerns.
The Dakar Rally typically features five main vehicle categories: cars, motorbikes, trucks, UTVs, and quad bikes.
Falcón has completed the Dakar once before in 2022.
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Carlos Sainz Sr., father of Formula One Driver Carlos Sainz Jr., climbed to the top of the overall car standings after finishing eighth on stage two.
The three-time Dakar winner and co-driver Lucas Cruz have a lead of one minute and 51 seconds over second place.
