Michal Hernik dies in Dakar

Polish rider Michal Hernik has lost his life on the third day of this year’s Dakar Rally.

The 39 year old newcomer was found dead by race officials at the 206km point of the 220km special stage, after his on-bike Iritrak system stopped broadcasting his location, prompting race control to launch a search.

Air ambulance doctors found him 300m from the race route with no visible signs of a crash, meaning that  the circumstances of his death have yet to be fully determined.

Michal was taking part in the Dakar for the first time and he was in 84th position in the general ranking. He had previously participated in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in 2014 and the Morocco Rally in 2013, both of which he completed.

Motorcycle News joins the whole Dakar family in offering our condolences to Michal’s family, friends and team.