French motorcyclist Xavier de Soultrait withdrew from the Dakar Rally following a heavy crash on Monday's eighth stage between Sakaka and Neom in Saudi Arabia.

The 32-year-old was transported to hospital in Tabuk, in the southeast of the country. According to Dakar organisers, he will undergo X-rays to determine the extent of his injuries.

The Husqvarna rider was among the favourites in the motorbike category. De Soultrait stood fourth, 2min 34sec behind leader Jose Igancio Cornejo, heading into Monday's 709km stage to Neom.

De Soultrait had briefly been in first place last week following stage four.

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