LA RIOJA, Argentina, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Polish rider died of unknown causes during his race, said Dakar organizers on Tuesday.
Michal Hernik died during the third stage of the race between San Juan and Chilecito, Argentina, the organizers said.
He was found dead about 300 meters from the track after his tracker stopped sending a signal and a helicopter was sent to look for him.
Hernik showed no signs of an accident.
It was the first time Hernik participated in the race. His death is the first in this year's Dakar rally and the fifth since the rally was moved to South America over security concerns in the Sahara desert and the 24th overall since the race was created in 1979.
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