Organisers issued a statement at 4:40pm AEST on Sunday, June 7.
The rider has not been named.
“The Finke Desert Race mourns the loss of a rider during Race Day 1,” Finke Desert Race organiser said in a statement.
“A competitor died at the scene along the first half of the route from Alice Springs to Aputula /Finke.
“The Committee are deeply saddened by this loss and extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to the rider’s family and friends.
“We ask all to respect the privacy of the family, friends and those who have been impacted by this incident.
“We appreciate the efforts of all emergency services, first respondents, officials and volunteers.
“The Finke Desert Race is providing ongoing support at both ends of the route.
“A police investigation is underway.”
Mason Trophy Truck driver Travis Robinson ended Day 1 on top of the leaderboard in the Extreme 4WD division.
Robinson sits 9m23s clear of Extreme 2WD class leader Boston Morgan-Horan in his Geiser Bros Trophy Truck.
Honda rider David Walsh ended the first day of competition on top of the bikes division.
He was 6m01s clear of the lead aboard his Class 5 CRF450R while Campbell Hall was second on his Class 2 KTM 500exc-f.
Finke will continue on Monday, June 8.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the race, which takes place in the Northern Territory annually on King’s Birthday weekend.
Discussion about this post