( CNN ) -- The Dakar Rally claimed another victim Friday , as organizers announced the death of an experienced competitor in the motorbikes section . The body of 50-year-old Belgian Eric Palante was found at the 143km mark of the previous day 's stage from Chilecito to San Miguel de Tucuman , the longest of the grueling race . A support truck had gone in search of the rider , who had been missing overnight after the 911km marathon leg . Two members of a local Argentine news team also died while following Thursday 's fifth stage when their car plunged into a ravine . Organizers of the annual event said Palante 's death would be examined by a judge in the Catamarca Province of Argentina , but reported on their official website that `` no alert '' had been received ahead of his fatal accident . They paid tribute to the Honda rider , who was bidding for victory in the amateur motorbikes section : `` He knew the race very well , and over the years his enthusiastic but serious approach had made him one of the pillars of the event . `` It is with great sadness that the organizers and the entire family of the Dakar offer their condolences to Eric 's family and friends . '' Palante is the 27th competitor to die in the rally since it was first staged in 1978 , while more than 50 have died overall , including spectators , support crew and the media . The marathon motor rally , for cars , motorbikes and trucks , was originally staged between Paris and Dakar in Senegal . It was moved to South America , principally Argentina and Chile , in 2009 because of threats of terrorism .
Motorbike competitor on Dakar Rally found dead . Eric Palante , 50 , from Belgium competing in event for 11th time . Went missing on Thursday 's fifth stage . Two local media personnel also died on same stage .