Fabrizio Meoni

**Asp** · 11 Jan 2005, 12:01 (Ref:1198012)

After the tragic death of Jose Manuel Perez yesterday, it has just been announced that two times Dakar winner in 2001 and 2002, Fabrizio Meoni, was killed on todays stage. He has returned from retirement that he announced last year for one last attempt at the toughest race of them all - the calling of the desert was too much for him.
After a crash out on stage Fabrizio suffered a cardiac arrest, and despite quick intervention by the medical team they were unable to restart his heart after 45 minutes of CPR.
This also follows the tragic death of another multiple Dakar Champion Richard Sainct in the Pharos Rally a few months ago.
The rally is in deep shock after the tragic toll this years event has taken. RIP Fabrizio - you will be missed.

Cynic · 11 Jan 2005, 12:49 (Ref:1198042)

I'm absolutely stunned by this news. I know little about Meoni beyond what I've seen on Eurosport but he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself out there. My deepest condolences go to his family and team mates.

JustinDawkins · 11 Jan 2005, 13:26 (Ref:1198085)

I too am stunned, first Perez now this!

We have lost another all time great - on his last Dakar, a really tragedy. :-(

The twin cylinder bikes are just too quick. 120mph in the desert is crazy!

Gabrio · 11 Jan 2005, 13:51 (Ref:1198116)

There has got to be a way to race to Dakar without losing men every year. This is unbearable in our time.

**Dani Filth** · 11 Jan 2005, 15:39 (Ref:1198198)

i was petrified.. even now a feek shivers down my spine ..
RIP Fabrizio . my favorite Dakar rider .

Slippy Diff · 11 Jan 2005, 21:03 (Ref:1198444)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabrio

There has got to be a way to race to Dakar without losing men every year. This is unbearable in our time.

If you are worried about that, try checking out the death toll for the Isle of Man TT races each year. You may be shocked.

R · 11 Jan 2005, 21:22 (Ref:1198459)

What a shock. Two Dakar deaths in two days - first Perez and now superstar Meoni. These two days have been the Dakar's equivalent to Imola 94.

What a tragic few months it has been for rally raid, with Richard Sainct's death in September, and now this. The KTM team might withdraw from this year's Dakar altogether - several riders don't feel like continuing. Even Peterhansel is considering withdrawing from the rally.

It's dangerous, yes - everyone knows that, and we the spectators know that. But two deaths on consecutive days leaves you absolutely gobsmacked.

RIP Fabrizio and José Manuel.

sjw75 · 11 Jan 2005, 22:12 (Ref:1198523)

Rest in Peace..

R · 11 Jan 2005, 22:27 (Ref:1198539)

Watching the day's stage just felt meaningless, but it was good to see the highlights from Meoni's Dakar career. In addition to his two victories in 2001 and 2002, who can forget 1998, when he was mad as hell over the GPS equipment not working! Those pictures were good to see again, as they showed his passion for the event. This year's event was his 13th participation in the Dakar rally.

Heebeegeetee · 11 Jan 2005, 23:17 (Ref:1198580)

Terrible, terrible news.

Condolenses to both families, and to everyone on the event.

RIP Fabrizio and José Manuel.

JustinDawkins · 11 Jan 2005, 23:28 (Ref:1198586)

Well Said R.

It was pretty moving to see Despres, Pujol Cox in tears at the end of the stage and goes to show how much he meant to everyone.

It was good to see some old clips of the good times again, especially 2002 when he blew everone away on the LC8.

He was a true gent and will be sorely missed by all

Liz · 12 Jan 2005, 02:52 (Ref:1198662)

The desert is a harsh mistress and the men (and women) who race there know they are facing the best that is within them... was the crash the result of the heart failure or do they know yet?

Richard Sainct was my very favourite of the Dakar drivers and I have still not got over his not being with us this year. And now we have lost another. I am reminded of the old days of Formula One, when one didn't dare fix on a driver because the odds were so poor ... but I am sure Meoni faced the challenge willingly and gave the best in himself to a rally raid he loved.

My prayers go with his family and all who loved him and will remember him always.

Fab · 12 Jan 2005, 05:11 (Ref:1198691)

Very shocking news indeed.

He gave an interview to the french radio the day before yesterday, saying that it would have been his last Dakar, and that he wanted to spend time with his daugthers at home now...

RIP

**Asp** · 12 Jan 2005, 09:30 (Ref:1198789)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liz

was the crash the result of the heart failure or do they know yet?

As I understand it that story came about as a result of miss-information as the news first came out. When the Doctors found him he was in a state of cardiac arrest. It now appears unlikely that a Heart Attack itself caused the crash.

Mark Mitchell · 12 Jan 2005, 10:24 (Ref:1198831)

Just read this on ceefax - two in two days!
Very Sad - don't know much at all about either riders or the rally itself but always distressing when you learn of people dying doing what they love.

Fab · 15 Jan 2005, 05:40 (Ref:1201400)

A little girl died on the rally too, caught by the wheel of a lorry... Terrible.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Fabrizio del Monte will not drive in Mexico City	mandretti39	ChampCar World Series	10	6 Nov 2005 19:03
Fabrizio DelMonte - What can you tell me about him?	JohnSSC	National & International Single Seaters	18	16 Apr 2005 23:22
Where is Michele Fabrizio??	CleanTone	Bike Racing	3	7 Jul 2004 07:55
Fabrizio 4th fastest in QP1, Assen	Junior Senior	Bike Racing	13	28 Jun 2004 07:00
Fabrizio Gollin	V-12	National & International Single Seaters	8	7 May 2001 02:33