Buenos Aires - French motorcyclist Pascal Terry who died during the Darar Rally could have been saved if he had been discovered earlier, Argentinian authorities have said.

French media voiced criticism Thursday after it emerged that a mix-up and a communications breakdown had delayed the search for the rider.

The 49-year-old Yamaha rider had gone missing during the second stage between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madryn in the province of Chubut on Sunday.

His body was found in the early hours of Wednesday about 15 metres from his bike around 300 metres from the stage route.