A motorcyclist who died while competing in this weekend’s Finke Desert Race outside Alice Springs has been identified as Matthew Bielefeld.
In a statement released this afternoon via the race organising committee, Mr Bielefeld’s family said they were mourning the loss of “our beautiful boy, brother to Scott, partner to Rhylee”.
Matthew Bielefeld (right) was competing in the off-road race outside Alice Springs before his death. (Supplied)
“If anyone knew Matthew, you would know he was a character larger than life itself and lit up any room he walked into,” they said.
“He was an all-round sportsman and was so excited to return home to compete in his second Finke with his brother.
“We wish to thank the emergency services, helicopter crew, other competitors and Finke Desert Race Committee members that helped yesterday.”
Mr Bielefeld was killed in a crash while racing along the off-road track from Alice Springs to Aputula/Finke yesterday.
Fellow competitors left a floral tribute for Matthew Bielefeld after his death on Sunday. (ABC News: Xavier Martin)
In a statement on Sunday, a Northern Territory Police spokesperson said officers had performed CPR until paramedics arrived and took over, “however, despite their best efforts, the rider tragically passed away at the scene”.
“Police have declared a crime scene and major crash investigators have taken carriage of the incident,” they said in a statement.
“The circumstances surrounding the crash are under active investigation and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”
Organisers vow race will go on
Speaking to the media this morning, race committee president Antony Yoffa said the remaining competitors had held a minute’s silence before taking to the track again today.
“We mourn the loss and we feel for the family, and on behalf of the committee we’d like to express our condolences to family, extended family and friends of the deceased,” he said.
Finke Desert Race 2026 results
Mr Yoffa said the crash happened at the northern end of the track but “was clear of the track towards the tail end of the field, so the race was able to continue under safe conditions”.
“This is a tragedy; people say that motorsport is dangerous and very sadly, that happens occasionally,” he said.
“Right across the motorsport community people will be mourning yesterday’s incident, but accidents happen in motorsport and while people will be cognisant of that, the race will continue next year, I’m certain.”
Speaking after claiming victory in the race’s bike category this afternoon, David Walsh said he had been touched by Mr Bielefeld’s death.
“I knew Matty pretty well and he’s pretty good friends with my brother, so it’s definitely touched home pretty hard,” he said.
