Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden has reportedly been involved in a serious road traffic accident whilst out training with friends in Rimini, Italy.
The Honda World Superbike factory rider was cycling with friends when a car is said to have struck him, causing him to hit the bonnet and windscreen at high speed, before landing on the road.
The accident happened on Wednesday afternoon, with the American rider, 35, rushed to a local hospital in Rimini with reported chest and head injuries. Some reports, although unverified, claim his injuries to be severe and requiring an immediate transfer to Bufalini hospital in Cesena for immediate surgery.
Photos from the scene of the incident show a black Peugeot 206 with a smashed windscreen and a photo of Hayden's heavily damaged bicycle.
His WSBK team sent their best wishes to Hayden via Twitter and called for patience.
"Thank you to all Nicky’s fans for your support after his accident," the team posted. "He’s receiving medical attention in Italy, and we must now be patient…
"The medical teams are working hard, and we will provide updates as soon as they are available. All we can confirm is that Nicky was involved in an incident while cycling and has been transferred to a hospital near Rimini for treatment."
Update: Bufalini have released the following update on Hayden's condition: "The rider is in very serious condition and has now been moved to intensive care."
Discussion about this post