A competitor has died during the Finke Desert Race in Central Australia, organisers have confirmed. The death occurred during today's running of the event, which is marking its 50th year this weekend. The news has cast a shadow over one of the region's biggest off-road race meetings.
According to organisers, the competitor died along the first half of the route, on the leg between Alice Springs and the community of Apatula. The competitor has not been publicly named at this stage.
In a statement, the organising committee said it was deeply saddened by the loss. It extended its deepest sympathies and condolences to the rider's family and friends.
A police investigation into the death is now underway. Authorities are working to establish the circumstances of what happened during the event.
The death is not the first in the race's long history. Over the Finke Desert Race's 50 years, there have been several deaths, including that of a spectator in 2021 and a competitor in 2008.