Dakar Rally rider dies from head trauma injury

by Imogen Searra

January 15, 2021

Dakar Rally rider dies from head trauma injury

Pierre Cherpin (52), a French rider at the 2021 Dakar Rally, tragically died on January 14 from injuries he sustained during a fall on January 10.

“During his transfer by medical plane from Jeddah to France, Pierre Cherpin died from the injuries caused by his fall during the 7th stage from Ha’il to Sakaka on January 10th,” said a statement published by the event’s organisers. 

Cherpin crashed at the 178km point of the race and doctors found him unconscious, after reaching him via helicopter. He was transported to Sakaka’s Hospital in Saudi Arabia with a severe head trauma.

He underwent emergency neurosurgery and was kept in an induced coma. After his surgery he remained in a stable condition for a number of days and plans were afoot to transport him to Lille’s Hospital in France.

Pierre Cherpin’s (52) first participation was back in 2009.

This was his fourth Dakar Rally.

“His first participation was back in 2009, when the Dakar took place for the first time in South America. He signed up in the unassisted bikers’ category and came back in 2012 still in the same category. He completed the race both times. He came back for a third time in 2015 but he had to give up after an engine failure,” read the statement.

“I am an amateur, I don’t want to win but to discover landscapes that I would never have had the opportunity to see otherwise. Everything is exciting: riding the bike, living out your passion, getting to know yourself,” said Cherpin according to the event’s organisers.

Image: Twitter