The rally-raid community is mourning the tragic loss of Dutch rider Bram van der Wouden who died in the desert on April 27th while competing in the Morocco Desert Challenge. According to the official statement from rally organizers, the 48-year-old motorcycle racer was overtaken by a heatstroke during the 5th stage of the rally.

Bram himself had mentioned the high heat on his Facebook page before starting the stage. “Despite the warm temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees in the sun. It’s suffering but it’s also very beautiful,” he wrote at the time. While trying to complete the 338 kms of stage 5, it is believed Bram stopped to rest and succumbed to the heat and exhaustion. His lifeless body was found next to his motorcycle by other competitors who immediately called for help. The medical intervention team arrived very quickly but unfortunately there was nothing more they could do.

Bram was competing in the unassisted Malle Moto category on a Sherco bike he had prepared himself. And although this was Bram’s first Morocco Desert Challenge, he was far from new to Rally racing. In fact the Dutchman had a number of rallies under his belt including the Heroes Legend, the Breslau rally and the Africa Eco Race. In 2022, he realized his long term dream by participating in the Dakar rally and this MDC was part of his preparation for the next Dakar. 

Considered an extreme rally-raid, the eight-stage Morocco Desert Challenge is a grueling race in which trucks, cars, motorcycles and quads compete in unforgiving weather conditions. To reduce the number of incidents, race organizers have several safety protocols. For example, riders are required to carry a minimum 3 liters of drinking water with them as well as a device with an emergency button to call for medical assistance. 

It is reported that Morocco has been going through a heat wave with unprecedented high temperatures. The challenging conditions prompted several competitors to exit the race while organizers decided to cancel stage 6 for motorcyclists and shorten stage 8.

Bram was highly appreciated in the world of rally raid, always happy to help where possible. So many in the community are devastated by the news, including the MCC Holland Motocross academy where Bram trained with his daughter Sofie.

“Totally devastated, we received the terrible news that Bram van der Wouden from Zevenhuizen has died while practicing his beloved sport in Morocco. Bram and his daughter Sofie train weekly at our club, Bram was very visible with all of us and had great technical knowledge that he was happy to share with everyone who asked for it. His passion was rally riding on his Sherco, which he prepared in every detail. It’s unbelievable and totally inconceivable that Bram is no longer here now.”

Bram leaves behind a wife, two daughters and many friends in the bivouac and far beyond. ADV Pulse would like to extend its sincere condolences to Bram’s friends and family during this difficult time.