Rider killed in Finke Desert Race remembered as ‘beautiful boy’ who was ‘larger than life’
A rider who died in a shocking motorbike crash during the first leg of a multi-day off-road race in the Northern Territory has been remembered as a “beautiful boy” who was “larger than life”.
Matthew Bielefeld crashed while participating in the first leg of the Finke Desert Race from Alice Springs to Aputula on Thursday.
NT Police said officers arrived and started CPR on Mr Bielefeld, then handed him over to St John Ambulance officers who were unable to resuscitate him.
After the multi-day race ended on Sunday, Finke Desert Race chairman Antony Yoffa read a statement on behalf of Mr Bielefeld’s family.
“Matthew was our beautiful son and brother to Scott and partner to Riley. If anyone knew Matthew, they would know he was a larger than life character,” the family wrote.
“He lit up every room he walked into. He was an all-round athlete and as an Alice Springs boy he was very excited to return home to race his second Finke with his brother.”
Mr Yoffa said the family expressed their gratitude to emergency workers, bystanders and race participants who tried to save Mr Bielefeld before a minute’s silence was held.
NT Premier Lina Finocchiaro, who attended the event, said she was “deeply saddened” by Mr Bielefeld’s death.
“On behalf of all Territorians, I extend my sincere condolences to the driver’s family, friends, loved ones and the wider Finke community at this incredibly difficult time,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
The Finke Desert Race has been held annually since 1976 and is considered one of the Region’s largest annual sporting events.
The multi-stage journey through the desert region southeast of Alice Springs is made by bicycles, cars and horse-drawn carriages and is known for the treacherous conditions that riders and drivers are forced to endure.
In 2021, a race spectator died when a truck left the track, and in 2008, a motorcyclist died when his bike hit a tree.
