{"id":723519,"date":"2026-06-08T18:16:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T18:16:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/723519\/"},"modified":"2026-06-08T18:16:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T18:16:13","slug":"grieving-father-pours-heart-out-after-son-matthew-bielefeld-dies-in-finke-desert-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/723519\/","title":{"rendered":"Grieving father pours heart out after son Matthew Bielefeld dies in Finke Desert Race"},"content":{"rendered":"

The grieving father of the Finke Desert Race<\/a> rider who lost his life during competition has thanked first responders who tried to save his son. <\/p>\n

Matthew Bielefeld was riding the first leg of the race from Alice Springs to Aputula\/Finke on Sunday when he crashed just after midday<\/a>, Northern Territory Police said.<\/p>\n

Police provided first aid until paramedics arrived but the rider died at the scene.<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

Bielefeld\u2019s family released a statement late on Monday evening, saying the were mourning the loss of \u201cour beautiful boy, brother to Scott, partner to Rhylee\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf anyone knew Matthew, you would know he was a character larger than life itself and lit up any room he walked into,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was an all-round sportsman and was so excited to return home to compete in his second Finke with his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wish to thank the emergency services, helicopter crew, other competitors and Finke Desert Race Committee members that helped yesterday.\u201c<\/p>\n

Earlier on Monday, his father thanked everyone for their support. <\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to thank everyone so far for their condolences with the passing of my son during the racing of the Tatts Finke Desert Race. Tough times ahead but we will be strong. Thank you all,\u201d the rider\u2019s father wrote on social media. <\/p>\n

In a second post on the official social page of the race, the South Australian man also thanked attendees who played their part.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the father of the rider who passed, I would like to thank the campers who tried to revive my son at the crash as I\u2019m sure it has affected them as well and not what they wanted with their Finke experience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs much as things are tough right now, it\u2019s people like that that make the Finke experience. With a heavy heart I say thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The heartbroken father has been flooded with hundreds of messages of condolences, including from Australian off-road and enduro motorcycle racing world champion Toby Price.<\/p>\n

Another well wisher said: \u201cMy heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of the family, friends and everyone affected by this tragic loss. In the midst of unimaginable pain, your gratitude towards those who tried to help speaks volumes about your strength and character. My thoughts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n

A crime scene was declared and crash detectives started preparing a report for the coroner after the incident.<\/p>\n

Finke Desert Race NT Police Commander Michael Budge said the incident was a tragedy for all involved.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur thoughts are with the rider\u2019s family, friends and all involved with the event at this difficult time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Race authorities have extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the rider\u2019s family and friends and are providing ongoing support at both ends of the event route.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Finke Desert Race mourns the loss of a rider during Race Day 1,\u201d their statement reads.<\/p>\n

\u201cA competitor died at the scene along the first half of the route from Alice Springs to Aputula\/Finke.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe committee are deeply saddened by this loss and extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to the rider\u2019s family and friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ask all to respect the privacy of the family, friends and those who have been impacted by this incident.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe appreciate the efforts of all emergency services, first respondents, officials and volunteers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Finke Desert Race is providing ongoing support at both ends of the route.<\/p>\n

\u201cA police investigation is underway.\u201d<\/p>\n

The race resumed on Monday for the journey back to Alice Springs, with Travis Robinson and Paul Currie winning the cars title.<\/p>\n

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