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Dakar rally: French motorcyclist dies after crash

January 15, 2021

Pierre Cherpin, 52, was taking part in his fourth Dakar rally and underwent neurosurgery after the crash. His death overshadowed the victory by his countryman, Stephane Peterhansel.

https://p.dw.com/p/3nx6g
Pierre Cherpin during the 2nd stage of the Dakar 2021
Pierre Cherpin crashed at 178 kilometres (110 miles) per hour on SundayImage: Florent Gooden/DPPI/picture alliance

French motorcycle rider Pierre Cherpin died five days after crashing during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally, organizers said on Friday.

Cherpin, 52, was taking part in his fourth Dakar rally and underwent neurosurgery after he crashed at 178 kilometers (110 miles) per hour on Sunday..

Pierre Cherpin shakes hands with a colleague
Cherpin (r), 52, died as he was transferred from Saudi Arabia to France.Image: Frederic Le Bloch/DPPI/picture alliance

He was placed in a medically-induced coma in a hospital in Saudi Arabia before being flown to Lille, northern France.

"During his transfer by medical plane from Jeddah to France, Pierre Cherpin died from the injuries caused by his fall," organizers said.

His death is the first of the 2021 Dakar Rally, an annual off-road endurance event where competitors use vehicles including bikes, quads, cars and trucks.

Portugal's Paulo Goncalves and Dutch motorcyclist Edwin Straver both died following accidents in last year's event.

Mr. Dakar wins again 

Cherpin's passing overshadowed the victory of French veteran Stephane Peterhansel, who picked up a record-extending 14th Dakar Rally victory.

Mini's driver Stephane Peterhansel and his co-driver Edouard Boulanger of France compete in the 2021 Dakar Rally.
Mini's driver Stephane Peterhansel and his co-driver Edouard Boulanger of France compete in the 2021 Dakar Rally.Image: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

The 55-year-old X-Raid Mini driver, nicknamed "Mr Dakar" for his unprecedented success, first won the endurance event on a motorcycle in 1991.

The Frenchman aided by co-pilot Edouard Boulanger, finished ahead of Qatari Nasser al-Attiyah (Toyota), with Spain's Carlos Sainz rounding out the podium in another Mini.

Argentine Kevin Benavides, riding a Honda, won the motorcycle category after the 12th and final stage that ended in Jeddah.

The event started in 1978 as a race from Paris to the Senegalese capital, Dakar.

It moved from Africa for safety reasons in 2009. It is now held entirely in Saudi Arabia after a stint in South America.

jf/rt (AFP, Reuters)