Confusion over Dakar rider death

Aubijoux was the second rider to die in this year's rally

French motorbike rider Eric Aubijoux was probably the victim of a crash and not a heart attack, organisers of the Dakar Rally have suggested.

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

A race spokesman initially said the death was caused by heart failure but it is now thought he died in a crash.

"New elements make us think that Eric was a crash victim," race organiser Gilbert Ysern told Sud Ouest newspaper.

"The first medical examinations revealed fractures and the local police have already gathered some evidence backing the premise of an accident."

Ysern added that there had been no damage to the bike, which was found upright on its stand.

Aubijoux was the second rider to die in this year's Dakar Rally.

South African motorcyclist Elmer Symons, 29, died after an accident during the fourth stage on 9 January.