Brit motorcyclist dies in Abu Dhabi race

A Dubai-based British motorcyclist has died during a cross-country rally in the Abu Dhabi desert.

Cameron Waugh died from his head injuries following an accident during the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, an international cross-country race in the UAE.  

He was found by fellow rider Jakub Przygonski, from Poland, who set off the satellite alarm and attempted to resuscitate Mr Waugh.

Within minutes, two doctors and a paramedic arrived at the scene by helicopter.

Mr Waugh was immediately airlifted to hospital, but died on his arrival.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), the rally organisers, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news, and on behalf of the ATCUAE and everyone connected with the event, I send our sincere condolences to Cameron’s family.

“He was one of our regular competitors, and a very likeable and popular one who loved the sport, and we have lost one of our own today.

“Safety is always our top priority, and the highly motivated professionals in our Search and Rescue and medical teams who responded to today’s accident did everything within their power. Our thoughts are with Cameron’s family.”

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports and are looking into them.”

Sulayem also praised Jakub Przygonski. He said: “Jakub performed CPR to the point of exhaustion, and was heroic in the way he tried to save a fellow competitor.

“A lot of other riders stopped at the scene of the accident and made the area safe, and assisted the medical team. We are very grateful to them all.”

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is ‘a five-day motor sport spectacular’ being staged in its entirety across Abu Dhabi.

The event began on April 3 and is set to finish on April 10.