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More mad, sad news from Dakar 2005. Fabrizio Meoni has died. At 10:15 am local time (11h15 GMT), just 9 km past CP1 and 184 km into the Stage 11 special, Meoni was reported to be down. The medical helicopter was dispatched immediately, and reached the scene within 20 minutes. Fabrizio Meoni’s heart had already stopped by the time the medical team reached his side and attempts to revive him were not successful.
At the time of the fall, Meoni was riding in the lead pack of bikes and
2nd overall. He had just celebrated his 47th birthday on December 31,
the beginning of this year’s Dakar Rallye.
Fabrizio Meoni was one of the greatest Rallye riders of all time and has won the Dakar twice before in both 2001 and 2002. This was Fabrizios 13th time competing in the Dakar rally.
Meoni is the 22nd person to fall in the the Dakar's 27-year history. Sadder yet, Meoni announced at the Barcelona start line, that this, his 13th Dakar mark his reitrement from the race.
Meoni leaves behind a wife, Elena, and his children, Gioele and Chiara, ages 14 and two respectively. Our hearts go out to them at this time.
Sadly Fabrizio Meoni is the second fallen rider of the 2005 Dakar, as he joins Jose Manuel Perez on this dark list.
We are absolutely stunned and saddened by this news. As is the Gauloises KTM team. Rumour indicates that the team is considering retiring from this years Dakar as a sign of respect for both Meoni and the late Richard Sainct. This would remove overall race lead Cyril Despres from the running.
May the swift sciroccos of the Sahara carry you forever.
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