North West 200 rider killed in qualifying named as Kamil Holán

Kamil Holán

The rider who lost his life following an incident during qualifying at the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 has been named as Czech competitor Kamil Holán.

The 48-year-old rider died after an incident during Thursday morning’s Superbike qualifying session at Station Corner on the famous Triangle circuit on Northern Ireland’s north coast.

His death sent shockwaves through the international road racing community, with tributes pouring in from fellow riders, teams and supporters across Europe on Thursday evening.

Organisers had earlier confirmed a competitor had died following the incident, with racing continuing later in the day after the approval of the rider’s family.

Emotional tribute released by Czech team

On Thursday evening, Hefty74 Motoškola — a Prague-based motorcycle riding school operated by Holán — released an emotional statement paying tribute to the experienced road racer.

Kamil Holán doing what he loved.

The statement said:

“Today the engines fell silent. Our Kamil Holán has passed away.

“With indescribable pain in our hearts, we announce that our beloved Kamil Holán left us forever today during the second qualifying session of the North West 200.

“A man who lived and breathed motorcycle racing is gone. Kamil was not only an incredible rider and a legend of Czech road racing, who courageously conquered some of the world’s toughest circuits from Hořice to the Isle of Man. Above all, he was an amazing friend, a man with heart, and a person of tremendous character.

“Kamil, you were an inspiration, a source of support, and a teammate to all of us both in life and on the track. Your humility, passion, and smile will be missed every second. Thank you for everything you gave us and for the person you were to us. Your legacy in Hefty74 and in our hearts will live on.

“We express our deepest and most sincere condolences to his entire family and all those close to him.

“Rest in peace, Kamil. We will miss you.”

Experienced competitor on world-famous circuits

Holán was widely respected within European road racing circles and had competed on some of the sport’s most demanding and dangerous circuits.

The tribute from his team described him as a “legend of Czech road racing”, highlighting his experience racing everywhere from Hořice in the Czech Republic to the Isle of Man TT.

His death has resonated deeply throughout the paddock at the North West 200, one of the most prestigious events on the international road racing calendar.

The event annually attracts thousands of spectators to the Causeway Coast and remains one of Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting occasions.

North West 200 weekend continues under sombre cloud

Following Thursday morning’s fatal incident, organisers revised the evening schedule, replacing planned races with shortened qualifying sessions across all classes.

Riders later returned to the circuit in difficult conditions emotionally, with many competitors visibly affected by the loss of a fellow racer.

Kamil Holán’s death marks another devastating moment for the close-knit road racing community, where competitors regularly place themselves on the line on public road circuits in pursuit of the sport they love.

As preparations continue for the remainder of the North West 200 race weekend, tributes to the Czech rider are expected to continue from across the international motorcycle racing world.