Rally
The Emirati motocross and desert rally rider has praised fellow Red Bull athlete Toby Price for stopping to help him after his dramatic crash during the 2018 edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
He was knocked unconscious during this year’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, but thankfully, Mohammed Balooshi is now on the road to recovery.
The Emirati motocross and desert rally rider, who suffered a terrifying crash during day three of the challenge, was airlifted to Madinat Zayed Hospital, where he is currently being kept under observation. Although concussed, doctors have confirmed he has no other injuries.
In the spirit of great sportsmanship, it has emerged that Balooshi was rescued by fellow Red Bull athlete Toby Price at the end of the 281km Al Ain Water stage. It left Price to complete the third leg in eleventh place, leaving him 35 minutes and 51 seconds off the lead. Balooshi has now spoken about the incident, praising the Australian rider for stopping to help him to safety.
“The day was going really well for me. Toby came by me before the refuel and the day got even better because I was happy to ride with somebody so fast. I was really honoured to be doing the stage with him,” Balooshi, speaking from his hospital bed, said. “After the refuel we were riding together and I went to take the lead, and then I honestly don’t
remember what happened next. I only remember that Toby stopped to help me and I have to give a big thanks to him for being such a great champion who showed such sportsmanship.
The Emirati went on to reveal that Price stayed with him until he was airlifted.
“He was there until I left the ground in the helicopter. He was talking to me all the time before the medics came, reassuring me. I think now I remember that the bike stalled before the accident. It was a mechanical problem not a rider error.
“Everything went so fast. I think I was out [unconscious] for about two minutes.”
Although he is only concussed, Balooshi will not be re-starting the rally, organisers confirmed.
Watch: Mohammed Balooshi in the initial stages of the 2018 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Meanwhile, Price – considered one of the world’s top cross country riders, and the 2016 title holder of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and Dakar Rally events – likely holds little hope of securing a second win in the UAE. But the rider told us he wouldn’t have it any way, with safety taking priority.
“It was a tough day for Balooshi,” Price said. “He was unconscious on the ground, so we stopped and helped him. But all is well, and is healthy... I was happy to help and wish him the best.”
Here’s the message Price left on Red Bull UAE’s Insta-stories earlier.
