Spanish rider Joan Barreda was airlifted to hospital after a heavy fall during the Dakar Rally 2023.
Barreda suffered a heavy fall at kilometer 16 of the ninth stage, between Riyadh and Haradh on Tuesday, January 10.
According to the race organisers, Barreda suffered back pain and was treated by the organization's doctors, before being transferred by helicopter to a nearby hospital.
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“Joan Barreda has fallen after 16 km. Due to back pains, he has been airlifted to hospital in Riyadh,” a statement from Dahar Rally read.
Barreda was competing in the Dakar Rally for the 13th time in his career, having won 29 stages of the rally.
The Spanish rider registered his first stage win on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.
This is his fifth retirement from the Dakar Rally in his career. He exited the competition five days before its conclusion on January 15.
The Dakar Rally 2023 has seen two champions crash out, Sam Sunderland and Ricky Brabec.
Sam Sunderland crashed on Stage 1 and Ricky Brabec on Stage 3. Sunderland suffered a broken shoulder blade while Ricky had a neck injury.
Also out of the race is rally driver Carlos Sainz who was airlifted after he lost control of his Audi sport after 6 km.
Reports indicate he was suffering from pain in the right side of his torso; however, he asked the helicopter to turn back and take him to his car.
Sains is currently with his partner Lucas Cruz waiting for their assistance vehicle.