Spanish Cyclist Dies of Heart Attack During Grueling Titan Desert Race in Morocco

The death of the Spaniard Fernando Civera during the second stage of the Titan Desert would have shaken the cycling world. This is the first time that a cyclist has died in this event, although it is considered one of the most demanding mountain bike events in the world and with the most participants. This year, 700 people dared the experience, defying unbearable heat and endless dunes.

However, the race organizers said on Monday that the cyclist was "outside the usual area marked by navigation devices." The second stage is between Merzouga and Ouzina and is 105 kilometers long. Civera was at kilometer 55.

Fernando Civera would have felt his end coming and alerted the organizers that he was in danger via a security device at his disposal. Shortly after, a helicopter came to assist him, but despite many resuscitation attempts, Civera did not survive.

According to Juan Porcar, the executive director of the Titan Desert, in a statement to EFE: "It’s a huge blow, one of those you never expect in sport, even though we know that in these competitions, there are risks of this kind. In 14 years, nothing like this had happened. We are never prepared for these things."