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Former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden, 36, dies following bicycle crash

‘The Kentucky Kid’ raced for Honda from 2003 to 2015 before moving to the Superbike World Championship for the 2016 season.

AMERICAN WORLD SUPERBIKE Honda rider Nicky Hayden, hit by a car in a bicycle accident in Italy last week, has died of his injuries, the Italian hospital where he was treated said Monday.

Hayden, 36, who won the 2006 MotoGP world title, suffered severe chest and head injuries in the accident, which happened while he was training on his bicycle in central Italy, south of the seaside resort of Rimini.

Photographs published by local media outlets after Wednesday’s crash showed substantial damage to the front windscreen of the car and the bicycle.

Hayden, nicknamed ‘The Kentucky Kid’, raced for Honda in MotoGP from 2003 to 2015, before moving to the Superbike World Championship for the 2016 season.

Hayden won just three grands prix in MotoGP — all in 2005-06 — but he famously took the world title that season after fighting tooth-and-nail with Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha.

His death comes exactly a month after veteran Italian professional cyclist Michele Scarponi was killed after being hit by a van while out on a training ride on roads near his home.

Honda teammate Stefan Bradl said he was “deeply touched and saddened”.

“It was an honor to share the garage with you. My thoughts are with his family. We will never forget you #69 RIP.”

Dani Pedrosa, Hayden’s teammate in 2006 when he won the world title, posted a photo on Twitter of the American along with the words “Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky. #69.”

Honda added: “Nicky passed away at 19:09 CEST this evening at Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy. His fiancee Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side.

“Throughout his career Nicky’s professionalism and fighting spirit was greatly valued and carried him to numerous successes, including his childhood dream of being crowned MotoGP World Champion with Honda in 2006.

“As well as being a true champion on the track, Nicky was a fan favourite off it due to his kind nature, relaxed demeanour, and the huge smile he invariably carried everywhere.

“Nothing says more about Nicky’s character than the overwhelming response expressed by fellow racers and his legions of fans over the past few days. Jackie and his family are truly grateful for the countless prayers and well wishes for Nicky.”

Hayden’s brother Tommy added: “Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest — riding a motorcycle. He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming world champion. We are all so proud of that.

“Apart from these ‘public’ memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly.”

– © AFP 2017

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    Mute Seán O Sullivan
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    Sep 4th 2016, 1:01 PM

    Throw McClean up against ivanovic on the wing and McClean will make him look like shit

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    Mute Stuart Kelly
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    Sep 4th 2016, 5:34 PM

    Serbs are expecting us to sit back, let’s hope we do not, let’s play high tempo and put the shitz up them

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    Mute Padraig
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    Sep 4th 2016, 1:02 PM

    I’m after losing interest in this match for the fact that MON has put loyalty ahead of picking some of our better performing players.

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    Mute wayne barron
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    Sep 4th 2016, 1:34 PM

    Like who?

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    Mute Sideshow Brendan
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    Sep 4th 2016, 1:58 PM

    You’ll probably say they are tripe then join the tournament bandwagon

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Sep 4th 2016, 2:03 PM

    Other than mcgeady (who is really only there because no one else creative has put their hand up – or is fit (judge)), I don’t think anyone is in that squad due to loyalty alone?
    Not too many were unlucky to miss out either – maybe pilkington, mason, Egan and Doherty are the only ones I can think of….?

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    Mute Padraig
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    Sep 4th 2016, 2:06 PM

    John Egan,Matt Doherty and Conor Hourihane are currently playing better and are 23,24 and 25 respectively so they are not exactly kids.Its a shame that these lads could end up like Weso making their debut in their latter years.

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    Mute Patrick JDoherty
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    Sep 4th 2016, 2:09 PM

    Connor Sammon, of course.

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    Mute Ewan Euphrenza
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    Sep 4th 2016, 3:02 PM

    I think the idea behind this squad is trying to keep the Euros form rolling. It would be hard to get Egan, Doherty and Hourihane up to speed with just a friendly against Oman. We actually have a lot of options at centre back and in midfield, so calling up Egan and Hourihane would be a bit pointless outside of giving them exposure. Every minute you spend getting them up to speed is a minute that could be spent preparing for Serbia.

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    Mute Padraig
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    Sep 4th 2016, 4:33 PM

    @Ewan
    We can have a million options but the players I mentioned are better than who MON has in the squad according to current stats.Also I don’t know what ‘up to speed’ you are on about,these lads are starting for their clubs,are club captains and are scoring goals.

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Sep 4th 2016, 5:01 PM

    Hourihane has played what 4-5 games in the championship and you want him
    In ahead of lads that start for their clubs in the prem (and other than Hendrick also did last year)??
    Same with Egan….
    I think it’s a bit too much to be expecting such a quick step up to international football (though I’d agree I’d like to see them in squad).
    Re Doherty having been watched both Christie and him, for me Christie offers more….. Particularly with his lacs given the lack of pace across the rest of the back 4!
    It always frustrates me how good players are before they are called up for us.
    Glenn whelan was an absolute super star when he was captaining Wednesday and not getting called up for us….. Daryl Murphy, Gibson, ward, McCarthy, Sheridan – were all much better players before they were given a chance and then suddenly once they were people were asking why they kept being picked!!

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    Mute Padraig
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    Sep 4th 2016, 5:36 PM

    @Augustus
    I gave you their ages above.When do we give these players their first cap.Do we wait till they turn 30?.

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    Mute Augustus hoop
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    Sep 4th 2016, 11:40 PM

    Either in a friendly – or if it’s a competitive match (this match is huge for the entire campaign) when they have clearly shown they are the best options available. 4-5 games at the same or a level below those they are competing with, isn’t clearly showing it…..

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    Mute running man
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    Sep 5th 2016, 7:58 AM

    O,Connell at Celtic Horgan at Dundalk to name 2

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    Mute Aidan O connor
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    Sep 4th 2016, 6:27 PM

    Serbians

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