Motorcyclist killed in Dakar Rally

Australian motorcyclist Caldecott becomes the 23rd competitor to die in Dakar Rally since it started 28 years ago.

Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott has been killed in a crash during the ninth stage of the Dakar Rally, organisers said on Monday

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KTM rider Caldecott, who won the third stage of the Rally from Nador to Er Rachidia in Morocco last Monday, fell 250km into the 599km stage between Nouakchott and Kiffa.

"We learned at 11:57 GMT of the death of Andy Caldecott who fell after 250km," race director Etienne Lavigne said.

"He probably died instantly. We learned of the accident at 11:31 and the helicopeter landed at 11:55. His death was confirmed at 11:57. Obviously his family has been informed."

Caldecott becomes the 23rd competitor to die in the Dakar Rally since it started 28 years ago. Last year two motorcyclists died -- Spain's Juan Manuel Perez and Italy's Fabrizio Meoni.