Dakar Rally rider Carles Falcon passes away after fatal crash

Dakar Rally rider Carles Falcon has passed away following a fatal crash in the race’s second stage earlier this month.

Tragic news from Dakar: it has been confirmed that Spanish Dakar Rally rider Carles Falcón has passed away a week after his fatal crash due to severe injuries sustained during stage 2 of the race.

The accident occurred on January 8 for Falcon, a TwinTrail team rider who was taking part in the event for the second time. His squad declared his death on January 15 after he crashed a few kilometers from the stage’s finish and was taken to a hospital.

Falcón’s crash happened 448 kilometers into the Al Henakiyah to Al Duwadimi stage special. At the time, race director David Castera informed reporters that although Carles was found without a pulse, the medical staff was nevertheless able to revive him on the spot.

After being taken to the hospital in Al Duwadimi, it was discovered that in addition to multiple shattered bones and a fractured C2 vertebra, he had also suffered brain trauma. He underwent emergency surgery, and a few days later, he was flown back to Spain while in an induced coma in order to control the cerebral edema.

Unfortunately, Carles passed away from the injuries he sustained despite all of the medics’ best attempts.

“This Monday, January 15, Carles has left us,” said his team in a statement. “The medical team has confirmed that the neurological damage caused by the cardiorespiratory arrest at the time of the accident was irreversible.”

“Carles was a joyful person, always active and passionate about everything he did, especially motorcycles. He has left us doing something that was a dream, race the Dakar.

“He was enjoying himself, he was happy on a bike. We should remember him for his smile and the joy he brought to others.

“Computer engineer. Motorcycle instructor and tour guide by passion. So many people have learned at his side. He taught with patience, energy and happiness, he made everyone enjoy motorcycles.

“This is what he has left us with and we will always keep with us, all of us who have been close to him, family, friends, colleagues and supporters.”

Carles, a passionate trial rider and Tarragona native, was taking part in his second Dakar. In 2022, he came in 68th place and participated in the unassisted motorbike category, placing 16th overall in the final standings. He was competing for the TwinTrail Racing Team this year.

Racetrackmasters sends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Carles.