Carles Falcón in a serious condition after an accident during stage 2 of the Dakar

The 2024 Dakar has tested its riders right from the off, with Carles Falcón experiencing a violent crash at kilometre 448 of the second special. In a very serious condition, the Spaniard was resuscitated at the scene before being airlifted to the Al Duwadimi hospital, and then to hospital in Saudi capital Riyadh.

Emergency head surgery

According to the organiser’s press release, Carles Falcón, competing in the Original by Motul class, was involved in an incident at kilometre 448 of the special on day 2 of the race, with just 15km of the timed stage left to run. A rider who was following behind was quick to raise the alarm, but Falcón was in a very serious condition when the medical helicopter arrived. The rider required resuscitation at the scene before he could be transferred to Al Duwadimi hospital. Having hit his head in the violent crash, the doctors immediately operated in order to reduce a cerebral oedema. Carles is currently in an induced coma.

During the night, he was transported to Riyadh hospital where he will remain for at least one week. Tests have also revealed a fracture to the C2 vertebra, which will require surgery. Further updates to follow.