Dubai: An English motorcycle rider has died following a crash at the North West 200 motorcycle race in Northern Ireland.
Malachi Mitchell Thomas, 20, from Chorley in Lancashire, crashed his bike during one of the heats while riding for the Cookstown BE Racing team.
The victim was treated by on-site medical personnel at the scene but succumbed to his injuries.
The accident happened on the course at Dhu Varren, Portrush, one of the northern-most towns in Northern Ireland.
Coleraine and District Motor Club, the event organisers, offered their condolences to the rider's family and team.
The accident prompted the cancellation of the race meeting.
Phillip McCallen, an eleven-time North West 200 winner, paid tribute to Thomas, saying on Twitter: “I only knew Malachi a short time - but he was a real character and star of the future. Thoughts with his family.”
I only knew Malachi a short time - but he was a real character and star of the future. Thoughts with his family. https://t.co/jYUAdGsbnW
— Phillip McCallen (@PhillipMcCallen) May 14, 2016
Thomas had finished on the podium four times, including at the Tandragee 100 and before he went on to win the Supertwins race at the Cookstown 100. He had earlier finished fourth in Saturday's Supersport race at the North West 200.
His death comes just weeks after Manx Grand Prix winner, Billy Redmayne, dies at the Scarborough Spring Cup meeting.
