CARLES FALCON is in a coma after suffering a serious crash during the Dakar Rally.
The motorcyclist was rushed to hospital in a helicopter after he crashed at the 448km mark on Sunday.
Falcon, 45, had to be resuscitated after he was found without a pulse by doctors in the Saudi desert during the off-road endurance event.
Race director David Castera said he “hit his head on the ground” after he fell on to the rocky track.
The crash was seen by another racer who notified officials.
The helicopter reached the scene in 16 minutes as it was said that he was in a “serious condition”.
READ MORE IN SPORT
Race organiser, ASO, said: “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.”
After he had been resuscitated he was rushed to Al-Duwadimi hospital.
Falcon’s Twintrail Racing Team revealed that he underwent emergency surgery that night.
Most read in Motorsport
He fractured the C2 cervical vertebra and cerebral edema.
Falcon is currently in a coma but his condition is said to be stable.
A statement from Twin Trail Racing said: “Over the next few days Carles will be kept sedated to control the development of the edema he has suffered in his head.
“Team-mate Isaac Feliu will not continue in the race and has moved along with the midfield team to be able to stand by his side. As soon as we have news, we will report on their condition and development.
“From the team and family we appreciate all the messages of support received.
“Team-mate Isaac Feliu has decided not to finish the race out of solidarity with Falcon.”
Fans on social media have wished Falcon well.
One posted: “Come on Carles! And encouragement to the whole team and above all the family!”
A second wrote: “Good luck Carles.”
A third commented: “Hope he recovers well and soon. A big hug and encouragement for everyone.”
A fourth said: “Strength and encouragement to Carles, family and friends.”
Another added: “Stay strong comrades!”
The Spaniard was 76th after Saturday’s opening stage of the race before he suffered the crash in the second stage.
Last year Carlos Sainz Sr was airlifted to hospital after crashing down a sand dune.
Read more on The Sun
The Dakar Rally consists of terrain that is much tougher than what traditional rally drivers face.
The majority of competitive sections see drivers take on dunes, mud, camel grass, and rocks as they cover up to 500 miles a day.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
