POLISH rider Michal Hernik has been found dead at the Dakar Rally, organisers have announced.

The 39-year-old who was racing on a KTM 450 Rally Replica was found 300m from the course during the third stage of the infamous rally yesterday, which runs a 410-mile route from San Juan to Chilecito in Argentina.

According to organisers the cause of death is still unknown.

A statement released from officials said: ‘When the race management detected the loss of his Irritrack signal and was informed that he had not completed the special stage at 3.16pm (local time), it decided to start a search for the rider at 3.23.’

‘An ambulance helicopter found the rider 300m off the route at 4.03. Unfortunately, the on-board doctor could only confirm the rider’s death. The whole Dakar family offers its condolences to Michal’s family, close friends and team.’

From all at Visordown, we send our sincere condolences to Hernik’s family and friends.