‘We’re so proud of Nicky, we’ll miss him terribly’

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FORMER MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has died.

The 35-year-old American was injured in a cycling accident on Wednesday on the Rimini coastline in Italy.

Hayden, crowned champion in 2006, suffered severe head and chest injuries when his bicycle was involved in a collision with a car.

He was treated at the scene and in a local hospital before being transferred to an intensive care unit of the Bufalini Hospital in Cesena but died of his injuries.

His mother Rose, brother Tommy and fiancee Jackie were at his bedside.

“We would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle,” said Tommy. “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. We are all so proud of that. We will all miss him terribly.”

During a career which began at the age of five, he won national titles in America in road racing and dirt track before moving to Europe to chase world championship glory.

He also competed in the MotoGP series for Italian manufacturer Ducati before TRAGIC: Hayden died from injuries renewing his association with Honda. This season he was racing in the World Superbike Championship for the Red Bull Honda team and most recently raced on May 14 at the Imola circuit in Italy. Dani Pedrosa, Hayden’s team-mate in 2006 when he won the world title, posted a photo of the American on his Twitter account. Pedrosa wrote: “Always in my heart, champ. RIP Nicky.” Indycar driver Juan Pablo Montoya said: “RIP my friend. My thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. “We need to create conscience on road safety and respect.” JENSON BUTTON believes he is ready for his return to Formula One in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.

Button, who retired in November last year, replaces Fernando Alonso at McLaren with the Spaniard racing in the Indianapolis 500.

“It feels slightly surreal to be back in the cockpit,” said Button, 37. “When the call came there was no hesitation – it’s a great opportunity.” MIRIAM Pritchard is the surprise pick in the England squad which begins a three-match series with Spain in Madrid today.

The Oxford Hawks keeper, 18, will hope for a senior international debut after impressing in the Under-21s.

Surbiton women’s dominance of the Investec Premier League is shown in the choice of five players in the squad.