Source: Supplied.

The 2006 MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has succumbed to injuries sustained last week in an incident while cycling, sending the motor-racing community into mourning.

Hayden, who was 35, will be remembered for his competitive spirit, kindness and professionalism following a career that spanned 15 years internationally.

Middle brother of the famous Kentucky racing brothers, which includes Tommy and Roger, Hayden captured the 2002 American Superbike Championship before moving directly to Repsol Honda in 2003.

As teammate to Valentino Rossi, Hayden finished fifth in the MotoGP standings as a rookie after claiming a pair of podiums in Japan and Australia. After finishing eighth in 2004 and third in 2005 – the year he took his first victory at Laguna Seca – Hayden went on to be crowned world champion in 2006. He remained at Honda through 2008.

The Kentucky Kid, as he fondly recognised as, won three premier class races in his grand prix career, which included a successful stint at Ducati between 2009-2013. Hayden’s final full-time ride in MotoGP was with Aspar Honda during 2014 and 2015, before he moved to World Superbike with Honda last year – winning race two in Malaysia and finishing fifth in the final standings.

This year, still with the Ten Kate-operated Red Bull Honda outfit, Hayden has been dedicated to developing the latest CBR1000RR SP2 with a best result of seventh in race two in Thailand. His final appearance came at Imola just days before his training incident.

Upon his departure from MotoGP, Hayden was inducted into the MotoGP World Championship Hall of Fame as one of the sport’s Legends at the 2015 season finale in Valencia. He would return for two appearances last season, including a guest ride for Repsol Honda at Phillip Island.

Hayden sadly passed away at 7:09pm CEST on Monday evening at Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy, with his fiancé Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy at his side.

“On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky’s fiancé Jackie, I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way,” Tommy commented in a statement released by Honda.

“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. It is also important for us to thank all the hospital staff for their incredible support, they have been very kind. With the further support of the authorities in the coming days we hope to have Nicky home soon.”

With the news of Nicky’s death, tributes have flown for the likeable American, who captured the hearts of motorcycle racing fans and two-wheel enthusiasts from around the globe. Rest in peace, Nicky Hayden.