Spanish motorcyclist Carles Falcon was helicoptered to hospital with serious injuries in Saudi Arabia on Sunday after crashing during the second stage of the Dakar Rally.
The high-speed race over jagged rocks and winding sand dunes in the Saudi desert was almost complete when the experienced off-road rider from Tarragona suffered an accident.
"Immediately notified by another racer who was following him, the organisation dispatched a medical helicopter which took care of the injured motorcyclist in a condition considered serious. He was airlifted to Al-Duwadimi hospital," race organiser ASO said.
Falcon, riding for the Twintrail Racing Team, was 76th after Saturday's opening stage.