French motorcycle driver Frédéric Baudry (KTM) died today during the first five stages of the Rally of Morocco, the final race of the World Off-Road Championship, after falling on sand dunes, according to what the organization announced.

The French cyclist, who was participating in the race for the second time, collapsed at kilometer 97 from his injuries.

The organization, affiliated with ASO (Amaury Sport Organization), the same company that organizes the Dakar off-road rally, explained in a statement that medical assistance quickly moved to the scene of the accident, by helicopter, but was unable to actually do anything. .

Boudry is participating in the African race for the second time, because “his dream was to participate in Dakar and Morocco had to prepare him for that,” according to French race director David Castera.

Zimbabwean cyclist Ross Branch (Hero) won the first of five stages, beating Australian Daniel Sanders (KTM) by 48 seconds, while Spaniard Tosha Sharina (Honda) came in third place, 1.48 minutes behind.

The Honda team, coached by Portuguese Ruben Faria, lost American Ricky Brabec due to a knee injury he suffered today.

Overall, Sebastian Buhler (Champion) is the best of the Portuguese, in seventh place, 10.37 minutes behind the leader, with Rui Gonçalves (Sherco) in 14th and Antonio Mayo (Yamaha) in 22nd.

In cars, Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah (Dacia) won, beating Saudi Yazid Al-Rajhi (Toyota) by 1.39 minutes, while Spaniard Carlos Sainz (Ford) came third with a time of 2.33 seconds.

Joao Ferreira (Mini) had problems and was only 33rd.

In SSV, Portuguese Alexandre Pinto (old friends) is driving.

On Tuesday, the second special stage will be held in Zagora, at a distance of 267 kilometers, at a specific time.