From the left, Daniel Rivas and Bernat Martinez
MONTEREY, CA, July 20 – A chain-reaction, multi-bike incident on the first lap of yesterday’s second MotoAmerica Superbike/Superstock 1000 race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has resulted in the deaths of two competitors.
Bernat Martinez, of Alberic, Valencia, Spain, was transported from the raceway by ambulance to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) in Monterey, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was 35.
Bernat Martinez, rode at Spanish, European and World Championships during the last years.
Daniel Rivas Fernandez, of Moana Galicia, Spain, was transported by REACH Medical Air Services to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, where he also succumbed to injuries. He was 27.
Daniel Rivas was riding the 2015 CEV Superbike European Championship and was 4th in the overall classification.
“This is in fact most terrible and sad news; a dark day not only for the sport but first and foremost for the families of the riders”, stated Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President. “We will keep them in our memories as excellent sportsmen who unfortunately paid the highest price”.
