As reported today on

http://www.dakar.com/2005/us/index.html

"DAKAR OFFICIAL RELEASE

DEATH OF FABRIZIO MEONI
It is with huge sadness that the rally was informed this morning of the death of Fabrizio MEONI (n°4), one of the greatest rally-raid champions ever, after a crash just after CP1, at km 184, at 10h15 (GMT) during stage 12 between Atar and Kiffa.

A medical helicopter of the organisation was immediately sent on the scene of the accident at 10h36 (GMT) and the doctors treated the champion for 45 minutes.

However, the two-time Dakar winner, aged of 47 years, died of his injuries at 11h11 (GMT).

Fabrizio MEONI, a huge figure of the rally, was 2nd overall in the bike standings, behind Cyril Despres and was competing on the race for the 13th time.

His body was taken to Atar.

The entire Dakar caravan wishes to express its sincere condolences to his family, his friends and his
many admirers."

* Note , our thoughs are also with José Manuel Perez's family, another Dakar biker who died yesterday....