Polish rider dies in Argentina during Dakar Rally
LA RIOJA, Argentina (AP) - Organizers say that a Polish motorcyclist competing in the Dakar Rally has died of unknown causes.
Dakar said in a special bulletin on its website Tuesday that Michal Hernik, 39, died during the third stage of the race between San Juan and Chilecito, Argentina.
Hernik showed no signs of an accident and the circumstances of his death have not yet been determined. His death is the first in this year's Dakar rally.
When Hernik's tracking signal was lost, a search began for the rider at 3:23 p.m. local time (1823 GMT), according to the statement. An ambulance helicopter found the rider about 300 meters from the route about 30 minutes later.
It was Hernik's first time participating in the race.
Buggy MD Rally driver Pascal Thomasse and co-pilot Pascal Larroque, both of France, race during the third stage of the Dakar Rally 2015 between the cities of San Juan and Chilecito, Argentina, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015. The race will finish on Jan. 17, passing through Bolivia and Chile and returning to Argentina. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
The Associated Press
In this Sunday, Jan. 4 photo, Michal Hernik of Poland posses for a picture as he crosses the podium ramp during the symbolic start of the Dakar Rally 2015 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2015. According to race authorities Hernik was found deadduring the third stage of the race, between the cities of San Juan and Chilecito, in Argentina, Tuesday Jan. 6, 2015. No apparent reason for his death was given by the race organizers. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
The Associated Press
In this Sunday, Jan. 4 photo, Michal Hernik of Poland posses for a picture as he crosses the podium ramp during the symbolic start of the Dakar Rally 2015 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2015. According to race authorities Hernik was found deadduring the third stage of the race, between the cities of San Juan and Chilecito, in Argentina, Tuesday Jan. 6, 2015. No apparent reason for his death was given by the race organizers. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
The Associated Press
In this Sunday, Jan. 4 photo, Michal Hernik of Poland posses for a picture as he crosses the podium ramp during the symbolic start of the Dakar Rally 2015 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2015. According to race authorities Hernik was found dead during the third stage of the race between the cities of San Juan and Chilecito, in Argentina, Tuesday Jan. 6, 2015. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
The Associated Press