Eight days after the crash in the 2nd stage of the 2024 Dakar Rally, Carles Falcon succumbs to his injuries – It was his second Dakar participation as a motorcyclist
As the TwinTrail Racing team announced on January 15, Carles Falcon has passed away. The Spaniard competed in the 2024 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia for the second time since 2022. Falcon rode a KTM in the Rally2 motorcycle class
At the second stage from Al-Henakiyah to Ad-Dawadimi, a crash of start number 135 was reported at kilometer 448. A following rider immediately alerted the emergency services. 16 minutes later, the helicopter arrived with the emergency doctors.
“He had no pulse and had to be resuscitated,” was the initial information from rally director David Castera at the time. Falcon was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Ad-Dawadimi. He was in an induced coma.
Thorough examinations revealed a broken cervical vertebra C2. In addition, five ribs, the left wrist and a collarbone were broken. The doctors were concerned about cerebral edema as a result of the cervical vertebra fracture.
The motorcyclist was taken to a clinic in Riyadh for further treatment. Finally, on January 12, the 45-year-old was taken to his home country of Spain by special transport. According to information from the team, he was still in a critical situation.
The racing team has now had to announce that Falcon has died as a result of the accident: “The medical team has confirmed that the neurological damage caused by the cardiac arrest at the time of the accident is irreversible.”
“Carles was a smiling, always active person who was passionate about everything he did – especially motorcycles. He left us because he did something he dreamed of: riding the Dakar. He had a lot of fun, he was happy on the bike.”
“We will remember him for his smile and the joy he brought to everyone.”
“A trained computer technician. Motorcycle instructor and motorcycle tour guide with a passion. There are many who learned from him alongside him. He taught with patience, energy and joy. He made sure that everyone enjoyed motorcycling.”
“This is what he left us and what we will always keep with us. All of us who were close to him – family, friends, colleagues and supporters.”
“The family and team ask that the funeral services, which will take place in the coming days, be kept confidential.”
“We thank you for your understanding.”
The TwinTrail Racing team stopped the rally immediately after the serious accident. Falcon’s teammate Isaac Feliu also did not continue the race after stage 2
