Nicky Hayden has died following a serious bicycle accident last week.

The 35-year-old American was hit by a vehicle while on a training ride in the coastal town of Rimini in Italy.

He suffered severe head as well as chest injuries and was later declared brain dead by doctors.

‘We would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle,’ his older brother Tommy said.

Tommy, who was also a motorcycle racer, said the family had many ‘great and happy memories’ of Hayden.

‘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.’

Hayden won the 2006 MotoGP championship from friend and close rival, Valentino Rossi.

Photo: Mirco Lazzari/Getty Images