World Superbike Championship rider and 2006 MotoGP World Champion, Nicky Hayden, on Monday succumbed to injuries sustained during a bicycle accident last week Wednesday.
The 35-year-old motorcyclist known affectionately by his fans as the "Kentucky Kid" (he was born in Owensboro, Kentucky) was hit by a car whilst cycling on the Rimni coast, Italy. He was taken to a local hospital with severe head and chest trauma.
He was later transferred to the Bufalini Hospital in Cesena where he received further treatment in the intensive care unit. Unfortunately after five days the American lost the fight for his life. Hayden will be remembered for his gritty riding style as well as his fierce, down-to-the-wire battle with Valentino Rossi during the 2006 season. – Thomas Falkiner
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