Portuguese motorbike rider Jorge Brandao died on Friday after a fall during the fifth and final stage of the Morocco Rally. The accident happened in the dunes near Erfoud, and he was airlifted to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Organizers extended condolences to his family.
The Morocco Rally, a key preparatory event for the Dakar, ended tragically on October 17. Jorge Brandao, a regular in Portuguese enduro and member of the Old Friends Rally team, was competing for the second time. Organizers stated: "Today, October 17, during the fifth stage of the Morocco Rally, looping around Erfoud, motorbike rider Jorge Brandao suffered a fall in the dunes at kilometer 214".
Brandao received immediate attention from medics in a helicopter that airlifted him to Erfoud hospital. He passed away at 13:55. The official statement notes: "he was quickly attended by medics from a medical helicopter that transported him to Erfoud hospital, where he unfortunately died at 13:55". The Morocco Rally offered "its sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones".
Prior to this, Brandao had competed in the 2025 Dakar as co-driver for Carlos Vento and was set to make his motorbike debut in his first Dakar as a rider. The final stage spanned 216 timed kilometers, starting and ending in Erfoud.
In the motorbike category, Spaniard Tosha Schareina (Honda) won ahead of Australian Daniel Sanders (KTM) by 3 minutes and 12 seconds, and American Ricky Brabec (Honda) by 9 minutes and 37 seconds. Fellow Spaniard Edgar Canet (KTM) finished fifth and was crowned Rally2 world champion. Schareina, who entered the Dakar elite with Honda a couple of years ago, strengthened his standing in rally-raid.