Polish rider dies in Argentina during Dakar Rally
LA RIOJA, Argentina (AP) - Organizers say a competitor in the Dakar Rally has died of unknown causes.
Dakar said Tuesday on its website that Michal Hernik, 39, from Poland, died during the third stage of the race between San Juan and Chilecito, Argentina.
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, according to the statement. An ambulance helicopter found the rider about 325 yards from the route about 30 minutes later.
It was Hernik's first time participating in the race.
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