Rider dies as Dakar nears finish

Aubijoux had competed in several Dakar Rallies

French motorbike rider Eric Aubijoux became the second fatality in this year's Dakar Rally.

The 42-year-old died near the end of the 14th stage between Tambacounda and Dakar in Senegal on Saturday.

A race spokesman said Aubijoux died of heart failure after appearing to faint during the 576km penultimate leg.

"At 15km from the end, he came to a stop after feeling unwell. He then had a seizure and was not able to be revived," said a statement.

"He was a motorcross fanatic who was participating in his sixth Dakar rally in which he had finished in 16th place in 2001."

Aubijoux finished 26th on Saturday and was 18th in the overall standings.

South African motorcyclist Elmer Symons, 29, competing in his first Dakar Rally, died after an accident during the fourth stage on 9 January.

Last year, 41-year-old Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott died.

Two children were also killed in Guinea and Senegal after being hit by vehicles passing through their villages.

Two years ago, 2001 and 2002 champion Fabrizio Meoni of Italy and Juan Manuel Perez of Spain, both motorcyclists with KTM, were killed.