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Superbike star who died aged 48 after tragic North West 200 crash is named

Kamil Holan died during a crash in the North West 200 qualification race on Thursday, while his team have released a statement on the tragic news

[Kamil Holan, wearing a blue racing suit with the word "Hetty" prominently displayed on the front, standing on a racetrack.]

Kamil Holan has been named as the racer who died in the North West 200 crash (Image: @holankamil74/Facebook)

Kamil Holan has been identified as the rider who lost his life during a North West 200 qualifying session on Thursday. His family had initially requested his name be withheld, but have now granted permission

They insist they want the event to proceed despite coping with his heartbreaking death, according to Belfast Live. The 48-year-old died following an incident at the Station Corner section of the Triangle Circuit on May 7.

Holan, from the Czech Republic, becomes the first rider to die at the North West 200 since Malachi Mitchell-Thomas was killed in a Supertwins race in 2016. To date, 20 men have lost their lives throughout the 97-year history of the competition.

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Hefty74, Holan's team, spearheaded the tributes and posted on Facebook: "Kamil, you were an inspiration, support and a partner in life and on the track. Your humility, passion and smile will be missed every second.

"Your legacy will live on in Hefty74 and in our hearts. We express our deepest and most sincere condolences to his entire family and all his loved ones".

Holan represents one of numerous international competitors who journey to take part in the road race in Northern Ireland. Holan made his North West 200 debut in 2022.

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The competition unfolds across 8.97 miles of sealed public roads around the 'Triangle' circuit linking Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. It stands as Northern Ireland's biggest outdoor sporting spectacle, drawing approximately 100,000 spectators.

A statement from the Coleraine and District Motor Club, the race organisers, said: "A competitor at the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 has died following an incident at Station corner on the NW200 course during this morning's Superbike qualifying session.

"The session was immediately red flagged and emergency services attended the scene but unfortunately the rider succumbed to his injuries. The family have given their approval for the event to continue but have requested that the rider not be named at this time.

[Blue Garage's Czech rider Kamil Holan (front) during the 54th Macao Motorcycle Grand Prix. ]

Kamil Holan died during an incident at the North West 200.(Image: EDUARDO LEAL, AFP via Getty Images)

"Coleraine and District Motor Club, the organisers of the races, offer our sincere condolences to the family and team."

Race organisers have confirmed the races that were originally planned for Thursday night will not be added to Saturday's six-race schedule.

Road Racing Ireland said it "extends its sincere condolences to the rider's family, friends, team, and everyone affected by today's events."

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