Buenos Aires, Jan 2 (IANS): Argentine rider Jorge Martinez Boero died after falling from his motorcycle during Dakar Rally's first stage in Energia, the media reported.
The accident took place in the time-trial stage when he was entering a bridge located on a dirt road, four kilometres from Energia.
According to Xinhua, the motorcyclist injured himself in the head. He died while being taken by helicopter to a hospital.
Before the start of the rally, Boero told organizers that he had enjoyed the 2011 rally and wanted to enjoy it again this year.