Death toll rises on Dakar Rally as motorbike competitor killed
By: Bajram Hysa Facebook Twitter Google + |
| Belgium's Eric Palante at the start of the 2014 Dakar Rally in Rosario in Argentina. The Honda rider died on the fifth stage of the event. |
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The Dakar Rally claimed another victim Friday, as organizers announced the death of an experienced competitor in the motorbikes section.
The body of 50-year-old
Belgian Eric Palante was found at the 143km mark of the previous day's
stage from Chilecito to San Miguel de Tucuman, the longest of the
grueling race.
A support truck had gone in search of the rider, who had been missing overnight after the 911km marathon leg.
Read: Third death on 2013 Dakar prompts investigation
Two members of a local
Argentine news team also died while following Thursday's fifth stage
when their car plunged into a ravine.
Organizers of the annual
event said Palante's death would be examined by a judge in the Catamarca
Province of Argentina, but reported on their official website that "no
alert" had been received ahead of his fatal accident.
Injured soldiers prepare for Dakar Rally
They paid tribute to the
Honda rider, who was bidding for victory in the amateur motorbikes
section: "He knew the race very well, and over the years his
enthusiastic but serious approach had made him one of the pillars of the
event.
"It is with great sadness
that the organizers and the entire family of the Dakar offer their
condolences to Eric's family and friends."
Read: Triple amputee takes on world's 'most dangerous' race
Palante is the 27th
competitor to die in the rally since it was first staged in 1978, while
more than 50 have died overall, including spectators, support crew and
the media.
The marathon motor rally, for cars, motorbikes and trucks, was originally staged between Paris and Dakar in Senegal.
It was moved to South America, principally Argentina and Chile, in 2009 because of threats of terrorism.
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